High Levels Of Inequality Research Articles

Pendapatan dalam Hubungannya dengan Perencanaan Ekonomi Kabupaten Muaro Jambi dilihat dari Sisi Perkembangan Indeks Gini Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

Analysis of the Gini index based on education level shows significant inequality in the distribution of education in society. Higher levels of education tend to be accessed by groups with higher incomes, while groups with lower incomes often face barriers to obtaining quality education. This is reflected in the Gini index, which shows that the gap between groups with good and limited access to education is widening. This inequality has an impact on economic opportunities and social mobility, suggesting that improvements in a more inclusive education system and equal access to education across all levels of society are essential to reducing inequality and achieving greater social justice. The secondary sector in Muaro Jambi also shows significant levels of inequality. In the manufacturing and processing industries, large companies that produce goods on a large scale often make substantial profits, while small and medium enterprises struggle to compete. Inequality is also reflected in the construction sector, where the income gap between skilled and unskilled construction workers, and between large and small contractors, is quite striking. This contributes to the high Gini index in this sector, reflecting income inequality among workers and employers. In the tertiary sector, which includes services, retail, finance, and insurance, income inequality tends to be higher. In the service sector, the difference in income between workers in customer service and managers or professionals is very large. In the finance and insurance sector, income inequality is also significant because wages in this sector are often very high compared to other sectors, creating a large gap between workers in these fields and those in lower-wage sectors. This unequal distribution of income leads to a high Gini index in the tertiary sector. The quaternary sector in Muaro Jambi, which includes technology, information, and research and development, shows high levels of inequality. This inequality is caused by the large differences in wages between technology professionals and workers in non-technology sectors, as well as between workers in large technology companies and small businesses. Specialized skills and high levels of education in this sector are often directly related to high incomes, while those in less skilled or educated positions earn much lower wages. This creates a clear inequality in the distribution of income in this sector.

Trajectories of post-authoritarian transitions: A comparative interpretation of Chile and South Africa, 1990–2010

ABSTRACT This comparative study delves into the post-authoritarian transitions of Chile and South Africa between 1990 and 2010, with a particular focus on the neoliberal economic institutional trajectories that have shaped their development regimes. Employing elite interviews and documentary analysis, we unveil six mechanisms through which these institutional pathways are legitimised and perpetuated, providing a nuanced understanding of the role neoliberalism plays in economic policies and institutional transformations within democratic transition contexts. Despite economic successes marked by reduced poverty levels and GDP growth, both countries have sustained high levels of inequality, challenging the efficacy of neoliberalism in addressing structural inequality issues. Our findings contribute to the comparative sociology debate on neoliberalism in economic policies, offering insights into the complexities and challenges faced by Chile and South Africa during their democratic transitions. This analysis not only highlights the persistence of neoliberal economic structures but also sheds light on their implications for social equity. By comparing these distinct yet similarly challenged transitions, this paper aims to enrich the understanding of neoliberalism's impact on post-authoritarian societies, providing valuable lessons for other nations navigating the precarious path from authoritarianism to democracy.

Lockdown and Unrest: Inequality, Restrictions and Protests During COVID-19

This paper analyses how pre-pandemic levels of inequality across US counties have shaped the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of protests. The results from difference-in-differences and instrumental variable models using high-frequency weekly data show that more stringent measures to contain the pandemic increased the incidence of protests, but only in US counties with high levels of inequality before the start of the pandemic where grievances may have been initially stronger. The impact of government responses to COVID-19 on protests is largely explained by adverse changes in economic conditions in counties with the highest levels of pre-pandemic inequality. Policy stringency measures were also associated with more protests in the most unequal counties which voted for the Republican party in the 2016 elections and exhibited, at the start of the pandemic, lower levels of trust in the president and lower satisfaction with democracy.

Analysis of the spatial distribution patterns of education infrastructure development (A case study of 33 regencies/city in North Sumatra Province)

This study explores the spatial distribution pattern of educational infrastructure development across districts and cities in North Sumatra, identifying significant disparities between urban and rural areas. The study aims to: (1) determine the distribution of educational development across districts and cities, (2) analyze global spatial autocorrelation, and (3) identify priority locations for educational development policies in North Sumatra Province. The methodology includes quantile analysis, Moran’s Global Index, and Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) using GeoDa software to address spatial autocorrelation. The results indicate that there are nine areas with a low School Participation Rate Index (SPRI), eleven areas with a low School Facilities and Infrastructure Index (SFII), and eleven areas with a low Regional Education Index (REI). Spatial autocorrelation analysis reveals that SFII shows positive spatial autocorrelation, while SPRI and REI exhibit negative spatial autocorrelation, indicating a high level of inequality between regions. Labuhan Batu Selatan and Labuhan Batu are identified as priorities for the provincial government in overseeing educational development policies.

The price of fairness: Experimental evidence on the limits to demand for redistribution

How far are people willing to go to reduce inequality and enact what they perceive as a fair distribution of income? We address this question in South Africa, one of the most unequal countries in the world, where questions of fairness and redistribution are part of everyday considerations. We carry out an experiment where a third-party stakeholder is paired with two “workers” and makes a series of redistributive decisions over their earnings. These redistributive decisions carry varying personal costs to the stakeholder, and the inequality in worker payout is also varied. Additionally, we randomly vary the source of inequality: luck or merit. We show that stakeholders’ willingness to redistribute increases with initial pay inequality and decreases with personal cost to redistribute. The source of inequality also makes a difference, with higher redistribution in the luck treatment. The source matters less at higher levels of inequality, suggesting a degree of aversion to extreme disparities, even when payouts are seen as rightfully earned. On the other hand, the effect of stakeholders’ personal cost does not interact with the source of inequality, indicating a robust self-interest motivation. The interplay of these effects can result in significantly different levels of post-redistribution inequality. We suggest that substantial redistribution might be acceptable to most as a tool for reducing high inequality - such as that observed in South Africa - especially when income allocation is deemed unfair. However, self-interest may be a significant limiting factor.

Capitalism, Education and Social Mobility: Critical Approach Based on Scientific Literature

Education is a key factor for human development and social progress. However, in the context of capitalism, education is also influenced by economic inequalities and power structures. Scientific information selected through a critical review has identified the main theories and findings regarding education conceived within the capitalist model and inherent social mobility. The results demonstrate that in more egalitarian states, wage increases associated with education vary only slightly based on socioeconomic status. However, significant class disparities exist in states with moderate to high levels of inequality. While some argue that education can be a tool for upward mobility, others emphasize how capitalism and pre-existing inequalities can limit such mobility. Understanding this relationship is crucial for addressing issues of equity and social justice in capitalist societies.

Analisis Ketimpangan Wilayah Pantai Barat dan Pantai Timur Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Inequality between regional aspects is common in regional economic activities. This study is to measure the level of regional inequality, the relationship between economic growth, poverty, and the human development index on inequality, and analyze whether there is convergence in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region of North Sumatra Province. The study uses Williamson index calculations to measure gaps, panel data regression analysis and sigma convergence and beta convergence analysis. The results of the research show that the West Coast Region is indicated by a low level of inequality and the East Coast Region is indicated by a high level of inequality. Economic growth has a positive but not significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and a positive and significant impact on inequality in the East Coast Region. Poverty has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. The Human Development Index has a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Simultaneously, Economic Growth, Poverty and the Human Development Index have a positive and significant impact on inequality in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region. Sigma Convergence does not occur in the West Coast Region but occurs in the East Coast Region. Beta convergence occurs in the West Coast Region and the East Coast Region.

Empowering rural parents to effectively contribute to their children’s education

The high level of inequality in South Africa has widened the gap between rural and urban schools, and the performance of rural schools has been continuously declining compared to urban schools. Poor performance in rural schools is perpetuated by parents being absent from their children’s education because the socio-economic conditions and their educational background do not allow them to commit their time and energy towards education. Learners are left on their own to decide their future. The disparity between rural and urban schooling was further exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools were closed during lockdown, teaching and learning was suspended in rural schools, however, in urban schools teaching and learning continued through online platforms. The lockdowns gave parents an opportunity to teach, advocate, and create conducive spaces to help their children focus on learning. During lockdowns, parents were expected to act as teachers in their homes to educate their children, and therefore, school closure presented opportunities for parents to actively participate in their children’s education. However, their socio-economic conditions and poor educational backgrounds continue to threaten effective parental engagement, posing a threat to the academic success of rural learners. Despite attempts by the government to introduce school governing bodies in schools as a structure to integrate schools and parents, the problem of little parental engagement remains unresolved. The purpose with this study was to empower parents in rural areas to effectively participate in their children’s education.

The Relationship between Income Inequality and Economic Growth

The relationship between income inequality and economic growth has long been a subject of intense academic debate, with varying perspectives emerging from different theoretical and empirical studies. This article delves into the complexities of this relationship, exploring how income inequality can both positively and negatively impact economic growth, depending on the context. Theoretical perspectives range from the classical Kuznets Curve, which posits that inequality initially increases with economic growth before eventually declining, to more contemporary views that highlight the risks of excessive inequality, particularly in developing economies. Empirical evidence from developed and developing countries further underscores the nuanced nature of this relationship. In developed economies, income inequality may sometimes promote growth by incentivizing investment and innovation, provided there are strong institutions to mitigate potential downsides. Conversely, in developing economies, high levels of inequality often inhibit growth by restricting access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, thus limiting human capital development. The study also emphasizes the critical role of institutions and policy interventions in shaping the relationship between income inequality and economic growth. Effective governance, progressive taxation, and investment in social infrastructure are highlighted as key strategies to balance growth with equity. The findings suggest that while some inequality might be necessary to spur economic progress, excessive inequality poses significant threats to long-term sustainable development. The article concludes by advocating for a balanced policy approach that promotes inclusive growth and ensures that the benefits of economic expansion are shared more broadly across society.

Analysing the intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility gravity model to capture the level of equity in the distribution of hospital services in Italy: do they influence patient mobility?

BackgroundAn equal distribution of hospital structures represents an important factor to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Generally, the most diffused approach to measure the potential availability to healthcare is the provider-to-population ratio based on the number of beds or professionals. However, this approach considers only the availability of resources provided at regional or local level ignoring the spatial accessibility of interregional facilities that are particularly accessed by patients living at the borders. Aim of this study is to outline the distribution of the intra and interregional services in Italy to capture the level of equity across the country. Moreover, it explores the impact of the accessibility to these resources on interregional patient’s mobility to receive care.MethodsTo compute spatial accessibility, we propose an alternative approach that applies the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (ESFCA) to capture the level of attraction of intra and interregional hospitals to a given population. Moreover, the adoption of process and outcome indices captured to what extent the quality of structures influenced patients in choosing services located inside or outside their region of residence.ResultsThe study confirms that there is an unequal distribution of high-quality resources at regional and national level with a high level of inequality in the availability and accessibility of quality resources between the north and south part of Italy. This is particularly true considering the accessibility of intraregional resources in the southern part of the country that clearly influences patient choice and contribute to a significant cross border passive mobility to northern regions. This is confirmed by an econometric model that showed a significant effect of spatial accessibility with the propensity of patients of travel from the region of residence to receive care.ConclusionsThe analysis of intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility may contribute to identify to what extent patients are willing to travel outside their region of residence to access to care services. Moreover, it can contribute to gain a deeper understanding of the allocation of health resources providing input for policy makers on the basis of the principles of service accessibility in order to contain patient mobility.

Exploring The Disparity of Public Facilities in The Central Java Province

The significant difference between the number of public facilities in regencies/cities and the number of public facilities in Central Java Province, which is feared to result in high inequality, is the focus of this study. The objective of this research is to determine the level of inequality in public facilities and the factors that influence the inequality of public facilities in Central Java Province. Secondary data is utilized and analyzed using the Modified Williamson Index approach and Multiple Regression Analysis. The variables employed include population growth rate, transfer income, and the Human Development Index (HDI). The analysis of the Modified Williamson Index reveals an inequality level of public facilities in Central Java Province of 0.21. The highest level of inequality in public facilities is found in Cilacap Regency, Boyolali Regency, and Kebumen Regency. The factors influencing the inequality of public facilities include the significant variable of transfer income in relation to the level of inequality in public facilities. However, the variables of population growth rate and the Human Development Index (HDI) are not significant factors in relation to the inequality of public facilities.

Social vulnerability and surgery outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundPost-operative complications present a challenge to the healthcare system due to the high unpredictability of their incidence. Socioeconomic conditions have been established as social determinants of health. However, their contribution relating to postoperative complications is still unclear as it can be heterogeneous based on community, type of surgical services, and sex and gender. Uncovering these relations can enable improved public health policy to reduce such complications.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a large population cross-sectional analysis of social vulnerability and the odds of various post-surgical complications. We collected electronic health records data from over 50,000 surgeries that happened between 2012 and 2018 at a quaternary health center in St. Louis, Missouri, United States and the corresponding zip code of the patients. We built statistical logistic regression models of postsurgical complications with the social vulnerability index of the tract consisting of the zip codes of the patient as the independent variable along with sex and race interaction.ResultsOur sample from the St. Louis area exhibited high variance in social vulnerability with notable rapid increase in vulnerability from the south west to the north of the Mississippi river indicating high levels of inequality. Our sample had more females than males, and females had slightly higher social vulnerability index. Postoperative complication incidence ranged from 0.75% to 41% with lower incidence rate among females. We found that social vulnerability was associated with abnormal heart rhythm with socioeconomic status and housing status being the main association factors. We also found associations of the interaction of social vulnerability and female sex with an increase in odds of heart attack and surgical wound infection. Those associations disappeared when controlling for general health and comorbidities.ConclusionsOur results indicate that social vulnerability measures such as socioeconomic status and housing conditions could affect postsurgical outcomes through preoperative health. This suggests that the domains of preventive medicine and public health should place social vulnerability as a priority to achieve better health outcomes of surgical interventions.

Fertility patterns in Pakistan: a comparative analysis of family planning trends across different geographic regions.

Family planning includes a wide range of services, such as counseling, contraception, and support to couples. Evidence shows that developing countries have a high degree of inequality in contraception use and prevalence. Reasons for these inequalities include cultural barriers such as traditional preferences and a desire for larger families and lineage, especially in rural areas. The primary objective of this research was to examine the updated contraceptive method preferences of couples in rural and urban regions of Pakistan and how these translate to family planning practices among the different provinces. A secondary survey analysis using the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2019 survey data was conducted. The dataset included 15 143 women sampled proportionally from the provinces, including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The unit of analysis was 'women' from the individual survey dataset. Age, type of residence (rural, urban), division, education level, and language were used to evaluate access to family planning and contraception services. The c2 test assessed the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then performed to see the likelihood of contraceptive use among women. Of the women in the sample, 55% were from rural areas and 50% were without formal education; 51.7% of these women were using or practicing any form of contraception method. The most common method used was condoms (9.2%), followed by injectables (6.2%). Regression analysis showed that women aged 15-19 years were less likely (odds ratio (OR)=0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.51-1.01) to use contraception when compared to the reference group. The likelihood of contraceptive use was higher in urban areas (OR=1.53, 95%Cl=1.39-1.69). Noticeably, contraceptive use was less likely in uneducated women (OR=0.62, 95%Cl=0.56-070). Punjab province had the highest contraceptive prevalence (34.3%), whereas Baluchistan had the lowest (6.9%). The use of contraception in urban and rural populations was similar in all provinces except Sindh and Gilgit Baltistan. In urban and rural areas, women in the age group 30-35 years who use contraception show a prevalence of 21% and 22% respectively. The study highlights suboptimal use of contraceptives and the existence of high levels of inequalities among the regions. There is a need for the implementation of focused educational initiatives and counseling interventions along with prioritization of accessibility and affordability of contraceptive methods among women in lower socioeconomic regions.

Income differentiation in Kazakhstan: an in-depth examination of its economic and social drivers

This study comprehensively identifies and quantitatively assesses the factors influencing income differentiation in Kazakhstan, demonstrating the multifaceted relationships between income inequality and various economic indicators. Utilizing quantitative research methodology, the investigation employs an Autoregressive Distributed Lag model to analyze the impact of GDP, real income, social aid, migration, and inflation on the Gini index of Kazakhstan from 2001 to 2022. Data was sourced from the Bureau of National Statistics, ensuring a robust and reliable foundation for the analysis. The investigation highlights the relevance of addressing income inequality in pursuing economic growth balanced with social justice, emphasizing global commitment to sustainable development goals. The results show that GDP growth and migration contribute to reducing income inequality, whereas increases in real income and, unexpectedly, social assistance are associated with higher inequality levels. Inflation's impact on income inequality was statistically insignificant, suggesting its effects may be ambiguous depending on other conditions. Overall, the findings advocate for developing multilevel strategies and policies aimed at reducing income inequality, encompassing economic measures, social investments, and improved labor market regulation to achieve more equitable and sustainable economic development in Kazakhstan.

Die US-Variante des Kapitalismus erzeugt gesundheitsgefährenden chronischen Stress

Abstract Maximising output creates psychological stress as a negative externality. Focusing on bellweather indicators of economic performance while disregarding its effect on work-life balance, on income distribution, on insecurity, or the quality of life creates stress-ors that harm the human biological system. Stress in the US has been generated by debilitating poverty, financial insecurity, the highest level of inequality among rich countries, meager social safety nets that might have mitigated the turbulence of adjusting to the new knowledge economy, and the downward social mobility of millions disadvantaged by globalisation.

Infrastructure competitiveness of regencies and cities in Java Island

Regional infrastructure competitiveness is highly influential in regional development. This research aims to: (1) compile the infrastructure competitiveness index for regencies or cities in Java, (2) assess the level of infrastructure competitiveness disparity between regencies or cities, and (3) analyze the relationship between the regional infrastructure competitiveness index and economic growth. In investigating the regional infrastructure competitiveness index, five infrastructure groups were assessed, namely social infrastructure, information technology, transportation, economy, and culture. The infrastructure competitiveness between regions (regencies and cities) was determined by scoring and standardization. The Gibbs & Martins index was used to measure the infrastructure competitiveness gap. Meanwhile, the relationship trend between the infrastructure competitiveness index and regional economic growth was analyzed using crosstabs. For the competitiveness of regional infrastructure in Java, this research observed spatial variations between regencies or cities. Besides, the regional infrastructure competitiveness index is not distributed concentrically and tends to have a diffuse pattern. Different distributions of the competitiveness index were also observed in every group of infrastructure. In general, clusters of high infrastructure competitiveness were observed in each province on the island of Java. The Gibbs & Martins index measurement illustrates Java's high regional infrastructure gap. The gap is due to the infrastructure in development centers and activity centers not being accompanied by infrastructure development in the hinterland areas. The social infrastructure has the highest level of inequality. Besides, this research also found a different relationship between infrastructure competitiveness and economic growth in the provinces.

Demographic and economic inequality of antenatal care coverage in 4 African countries with a high maternal mortality rate

BackgroundMaternal deaths are concentrated in low and middle-income countries, and Africa accounts for over 50% of the deaths. Women from socioeconomically disadvantaged households have higher morbidity and mortality rates and lower access to maternal health services. Understanding and addressing these inequalities is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and improving maternal health outcomes. This study examines the demographic and economic disparities in the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) in four countries with high maternal mortality rates in Africa, namely Nigeria, Chad, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.MethodThe study utilised data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) from Nigeria, Chad, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The data was obtained from the Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) database. The study examined ANC service utilisation inequality in four dimensions such as economic status, education, place of residence, and subnational region across different subgroups by using four summary measures (Difference (D), Absolute Concentration Index (ACI), Population Attributable Risk (PAR), and Population Attributable Factor (PAF)).ResultA varying level of inequality in ANC coverage across multiple survey years was observed in Nigeria, Chad, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Different regions and countries exhibit varying levels of inequality. Disparities were prominent based on educational attainment and place of residence. Higher level of inequality was generally observed among individuals with higher education and those residing in urban areas. Inequality in ANC coverage was also observed by economic status, subnational region, and other factors in Nigeria, Chad, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. ANC coverage is generally higher among the richest quintile subgroup, indicating inequality. Nigeria and Chad show the highest levels of inequality in ANC coverage across multiple measures. Sierra Leone displays some variation with higher coverage among the poorest quintile subgroup.Conclusion and recommendationInequalities in ANC coverage exist across age groups and survey years in Nigeria, Chad, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Disparities are prominent based on education, residence, and economic status. Efforts should focus on improving access for vulnerable groups, enhancing education and awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and addressing economic disparities.

Inequality in relational wealth within the upper societal segment: evidence from prehistoric Central Europe

While our understanding of long-term trends in material wealth inequality in prehistoric societies has expanded in recent decades, we know little about long-term trends in other dimensions of wealth and about social developments within particular societal segments. This paper provides the first evidence of inequality in relational wealth within the upper societal segment of a supra-regional network of communities in prehistoric Central Europe over the first four millennia BCE. To this end, we compiled a novel dataset of 5000 single-funeral burial mounds and employed burial mound volume as a proxy for the buried individual’s relational wealth. Our analysis reveals a consistently high level of inequality among the buried individuals, showing a wave-like pattern with an increasing trend over time. Additionally, our findings show temporal shifts in the size of the upper societal segment. Based on a review of archeological and paleo-environmental evidence, the temporal change in inequality may be explained by technological progress, climate and population dynamics, trade and social networks, and/or sociopolitical transformations.

The influence of corporate entrepreneurship strategy on SMEs’ internationalization: proposing and testing a model

Purpose This paper aims to propose and test a corporate entrepreneurship strategy (CES) model in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international activity located in Andalusia (Spain) – a peripheral region with high levels of inequality in the European Union (EU). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative analysis has been carried out with data from 101 SMEs to contrast and analyze the proposed CES model. The sample data were obtained through questionnaire-guided interviews with chief executive officers. Data processing has been done using partial least squares-path modeling, a variance-based technique for structural equation modeling. Findings The results of this study show the positive effect of environmental conditions on the development of CES actions in Andalusian SMEs (Spain) and the positive influence of CES on the results of SMEs’ international activity. In turn, environmental conditions do not directly affect the international activity. Originality/value Although previous works address the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and international enterprise activity, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is original in testing a CES model (including CE and the entrepreneurial strategic vision) in SMEs in a region that has one of the lowest levels of development in the EU. The results have important implications for SMEs and policymakers and could be extrapolated to other emerging economies.

Analysis of Regional Development Inequality in The District / City of Central Sulawesi Province in 2018-2022

Development inequality is an important issue that affects the society and economic stability of a region. This study aims to analyze regional development inequality in the districts/cities of Central Sulawesi Province during the 2018-2022 period. The analysis used is quantitative descriptive analysis using secondary data and the Williamson Index analysis method as a measuring tool to assess the level of inequality between regions. The data analyzed included Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) in each district/city of Central Sulawesi Province. The results showed that the Williamson index calculation of the level of regional development inequality in Central Sulawesi Province was 0,97, which indicated a high level of inequality. However, in 2022 there was a decrease in the Williamson Index to 0,46. Nevertheless, the level of inequality between districts/municipalities in Central Sulawesi Province is still categorized as high. This decrease in the Williamson Index indicates an improvement in the distribution of development, but more intensive efforts are still needed to achieve a more effective development balance from the local and central government to reduce development inequality.