Inequality Index Research Articles

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Vibrio cholerae isolates from cholera outbreak sites in Ethiopia

BackgroundCholera is an acute infectious disease caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water with Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of V. cholerae from cholera outbreak sites in Ethiopia.MethodsAcross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to October 2023 across different regions in Ethiopia: Oromia National Regional State, Amhara National Regional State and Addis Ababa City Administration. A total of 415 fecal samples were collected from the three regions. Two milliliter fecal samples were collected from each study participants. The collected samples were cultured on Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar and Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salt Sucrose Agar. A series of biochemical tests Oxidase test, String test, Motility, Indole, Citrate, Gas production, H2S production, Urease test were used to identify V. cholerae species. Both polyvalent and monovalent antisera were used for agglutination tests to identify and differentiate V. cholerae serogroup and serotypes. In addition, Kirby-Bauer Disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test method was done. Data were registered in epi-enfo version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae. Logistic regression model was fitted and p-value < 0.05 was considered as statically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of V. cholerae in the fecal samples was 30.1%. Majority of the isolates were from Oromia National Regional State 43.2% (n = 54) followed by Amhara National Regional State 31.2% (n = 39) and Addis Ababa City Administration 25.6% (n = 32). Most of the V. cholerae isolates were O1 serogroups 90.4% (n = 113) and Ogawa serotypes 86.4% (n = 108). Majority of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin 100% (n = 125), tetracycline 72% (n = 90) and gentamycin 68% (n = 85). More than half of the isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 62.4% (n = 78) and ampicillin 56.8% (n = 71). In this study, participants unable to read and write were about four times more at risk for V. cholerae infection (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.07–13.33). In addition, consumption of river water were about three times more at risk for V. cholerae infection (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.08–7.08).Conclusionour study revealed a high prevalence of V. cholerae from fecal samples. The predominant serogroups and serotypes were O1 and Ogawa, respectively. Fortunately, the isolates showed susceptible to most tested antibiotics. Drinking water from river were the identified associated risk factor for V. cholerae infection. Protecting the community from drinking of river water and provision of safe and treated water could reduce cholera outbreaks in the study areas.

Evaluating inequality divides in urban development intensity between the Global North and South

As the significance of cities worldwide with regard to human activities increases, Urban Development Intensity (UDI) becomes an increasingly critical factor for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 11.3 and serves as a scientific foundation for establishing urban land development guidelines. However, the existing literature lacks systematic quantification of fine-scale UDI on the global scale. In this study, we propose a comprehensive framework for evaluating UDI globally, utilizing multi-source surveys to compare spatial variations between the Global North and South. We created structured grided UDI layers at a 1-km resolution covering urban areas worldwide, considering various aspects of urban development on land surface characterized by three-dimensional (3D) building metrics, population density, nighttime lights, and transport constructions. By employing composite models and the inequality index, we assessed UDI disparities across 6986 cities and metropolitan areas globally to investigate variations in UDI levels and heterogeneity among the Global North–South regions, inter-city, and intra-city contexts. Furthermore, the bivariate local Moran’s I statistic and k-medoid algorithm were utilized to identify spatial and pattern clusters of UDI among global cities. Our findings revealed diverse spatial distribution of multi-source UDI differences globally, with urban areas in the Global North generally exhibiting higher and more equitable intensity than that exhibited by urban areas in the Global South, where the intensity tends to be lower at the urban peripheries and highly concentrated in city centers. Recognizing the disparities and clustering patterns of UDI levels of global cities underscore the importance of promoting urban equalization to ensure containment and drive improvement in UDI towards diverse models under local urban circumstances for effective implementation of sustainable urbanization development across cities both in the Global North and South.

Gender Inequality is negatively associated with academic achievement for both boys and girls

To examine the role of inequality in academic achievement, we analyse a cross-national dataset including data from three cycles from 2012 to 2018 from the PISA, an international assessment of 15-year-old students’ math, reading, and science performance. The Gini coefficient and gender inequality index (GII) were used as metrics for a country’s economic inequality and gender inequality, respectively. The results show that gender inequality has a negative association with academic achievement for both boys and girls. Moreover, gender inequality has a stronger association with academic achievement than does economic inequality. We also find that gender inequality in reproductive health may contribute substantially to the association between gender inequality and academic achievement. Despite substantial advances in gender equality worldwide, multisectoral and multilevel approaches from the community to the country level are needed to ensure substantial long-term reductions in economic, gender, and educational inequalities.

Ethnic inequalities in coverage and use of women’s cancer screening in Peru

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess ethnic inequalities in the coverage and utilization of cancer screening services among women in Peru.MethodsData from the 2017–2023 Demographic and Family Health Survey in Peru were analyzed to evaluate ethnic disparities in screening coverage for breast and cervical cancer, including clinical breast examination (CBE), Pap smear test (PST), and mammography. Measures such as the GINI coefficient and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) were used to quantify coverage and utilization disparities among ethnic groups.ResultsThe study included 70,454 women aged 30–69. Among women aged 40–69, 48.31% underwent CBE, 84.06% received PST, and 41.69% underwent mammography. It was found inequalities in coverage for any cancer screening (GINI: 0.10), mammography (GINI: 0.21), CBE (GINI: 0.19), and PST (GINI: 0.06), in 25 Peruvian regions. These inequalities were more pronounced in regions with larger populations of Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women. In rural areas, Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.83, -0.95, and − 0.69, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.80, -0.92, and − 0.58, respectively) experienced heightened inequalities in the uptake of CBE, mammography, and PST, respectively. Like Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.52, and SII: -0.50, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.58, and SII: -0.44, respectively) with only a primary education.ConclusionEthnic inequalities affect breast and cervical cancer screening coverage across regions in Peru. In Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women the uptake of mammography, CBE, and PST was less frequently than their white or mestizo counterparts. These inequalities are attributed to sociodemographic conditions such as lower education levels and residence in rural or non-capital areas.

Is fair carbon mitigation practicable in China? Insights from digital technology innovation and carbon inequality

The uneven matching of distribution and targets in practicing carbon emission reduction has led to emission reduction inequality, while digital technology innovation (DTI) is expected to reduce these gaps. Therefore, this study casts new insights into modeling the nexus between DTI and carbon inequality using China's 286 prefecture-level cities from 2000 to 2021. Remarkably, city-level DTI performance is innovatively proxied by the related patent application volume, while the carbon inequality index within the region is measured using the environmental Gini coefficient. The main findings of this study include: (1) DTI robustly mitigates China's carbon inequality. (2) The effect of DTI is asymmetrically more significant in regions with a higher carbon inequality index. (3) DTI heterogeneously reduces carbon inequality more obviously in the eastern and central regions, and technology innovation in digital product manufacturing and digital technology application industries reduces carbon inequality more significantly. (4) More precisely, DTI strengthens carbon justice through income equalization, spatial agglomeration, and digital inclusion effects. Specifically, DTI significantly reduces income inequality and the digital economy's spatial agglomeration level and enhances digital financial inclusion, thereby reducing carbon inequality. This study also provides the policy implications for China.

Trends in traffic accident mortality and social inequalities in Ecuador from 2011 to 2022

BackgroundTraffic accidents (TA) remain a significant global public health concern, impacting low—and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the trend in TA mortality and inequalities in Ecuador for 2011–2022, distributed by year, gender, age group, geographical location, type of accident, and social inequalities.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using INEC national-level data on TA fatalities in Ecuador. Mortality rates were calculated per 100,000 population and analyzed by year, gender, age group, geographic region, and accident type. Annual percentage variation (APV) was determined using linear regression models. Inequality analyses examined associations between TA mortality and socioeconomic factors like per capita income and literacy rates. Complex measures such as the Slope Inequality Index (SII) were calculated to assess the magnitude of inequalities.ResultsThere were 38,355 TA fatalities in Ecuador from 2011 to 2022, with an overall mortality rate of 19.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. The rate showed a non-significant decreasing trend (APV − 0.4%, p = 0.280). Males had significantly higher mortality rates than females (31.99 vs. 7.19 per 100,000), with the gender gap widening over time (APV 0.85%, p = 0.003). The Amazon region had the highest rate (24.4 per 100,000), followed by the Coast (20.4 per 100,000). Adults aged ≥ 60 years had the highest mortality (31.0 per 100,000), followed by those aged 25–40 years (28.6 per 100,000). The ≥ 60 age group showed the most significant rate decrease over time (APV − 2.25%, p < 0.001). Pedestrians were the most affected group after excluding unspecified accidents, with a notable decreasing trend (APV − 5.68%, p < 0.001). Motorcyclist fatalities showed an increasing trend, ranking third in TA-related deaths. Lower literacy rates and per capita income were associated with higher TA mortality risks. Inequality in TA mortality between provinces with the highest and lowest per capita income increased by 247.7% from 2011 to 2019, as measured by the SII.ConclusionWhile overall TA mortality slightly decreased in Ecuador, significant disparities persist across demographic groups and geographic regions. Older adults, males, pedestrians, and economically disadvantaged populations face disproportionately higher risks. The increasing trend in motorcycle-related fatalities and widening socioeconomic inequalities are particularly concerning.

Obesity and dental caries in childhood: trends in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities—a multicohort population-wide data linkage study

ObjectivesTo quantify levels of coexisting obesity and caries experience in children in Scotland, and any associated socioeconomic inequalities over the years 2011/2012–2017/2018.DesignA multicohort population-wide data linkage study.SettingLocal authority primary schools...

Unveiling gender inequality in the US: Testing validity of a state-level measure of gender inequality and its relationship with feminist online collective action on Twitter.

The Gender Inequality Index is a country-level measure of gender inequality based on women's levels of reproductive health, social and political empowerment, and labor-market representation. In two studies, we tested the validity of the GII-S, a state-level measure of gender inequality in the USA. In Study 1, the GII-S was associated with objective and subjective measures of wellness among women, including life satisfaction, financial well-being, and perceptions of safety. GII-S was not associated with the Gini coefficient, a well-established measure of economic inequality, suggesting that gender and economic disparities represent distinct aspects of social inequality. Study 2 tested the link between GII-S scores and collective action-specifically, participation in the #MeToo movement promoting awareness of sexual harassment and violence against women. Analysis of geo-localized messages on the Twitter social media platform reveals that higher GII-S scores were associated with fewer tweets containing the #MeToo hashtag. Moreover, GII-S was associated with state-level political orientation: the more conservative a state, the higher its level of gender inequality. Results are discussed in terms of possible socio-cognitive processes underpinning the association between gender inequality and sensitivity to violence against women.

A Multiple Regression Model On The Relationship Between Deliberative Democracy And Political Equity: The Cases Of Greece And Turkey

This article presents a multiple regression model in which the effect of the political equality index on the quality of deliberative democracy in Greece and Turkey is investigated. The data was drawn from the V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) database which was announced in March 2024. As far as Greece is concerned, the final conclusions of the research include the positive effect of increasing the participation of women and LGBTI people on the index of deliberative democracy. Also, an interesting finding is the fact of the absence of importance of the participation of individuals in primary and secondary education in deliberative democracy, a fact that may be linked to the discredit of the Greek school. As far as Turkey in concerned, there is a negative relationship between the participation of citizens in tertiary education, as well as a negative relationship between the distribution of power by sexual orientation and deliberative democracy index. Finally, the participation of citizens in primary education has a positive coefficient and is highly statistically significant.

Social inequity in chiropractic utilisation – a cross-sectional study in Denmark, 2010 and 2017

BackgroundInequity in healthcare utilisation refers to differences between groups that remain after adjustment for need for health care. To our knowledge, no previous studies have aimed to assess social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in a general population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in the general Danish population adjusted for health status as a proxy of need for chiropractic care.MethodsA population-based repeated cross-sectional study design was used based on the Danish National Health Survey in 2010 and 2017. Overall, we included 288,099 individuals aged 30 years or older in 2010 or 2017. For each individual, information on chiropractic utilisation, socioeconomic status, and health status as a proxy of need for chiropractic care was retrieved from nationwide registers using the unique personal identification number. Measures of health status included demographics, poor self-rated physical health, activity limitations, musculoskeletal pain, number of musculoskeletal conditions, and number of chronic diseases.We investigated social inequity in chiropractic utilisation (yes, no) using logistic regression adjusted for health status, stratified by sex and year. Three characteristics of socioeconomic status (educational level, employment status and income) were investigated. To further quantify the degree of social inequity in chiropractic utilisation, we estimated the concentration index of inequity for each of the three characteristics of socioeconomic status.ResultsWe found significantly higher odds of chiropractic utilisation among individuals with short or medium/long education compared with individuals with elementary education, and among employed individuals compared with individuals who were unemployed, receiving disability pension or retired. Furthermore, the odds of chiropractic utilisation increased with higher income. The concentration index indicated social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in favour of individuals with higher socioeconomic status, with income and employment status contributing more to inequity than educational level.ConclusionThe study demonstrated social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in Denmark beyond differences in health status as a proxy of need for chiropractic care in the general population. The results suggest that new strategies are required if equal treatment for equal need is the goal.

Twelve–year (2008–2019) trends in socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular risk factors in a Swiss representative survey of the general population

ObjectiveWe assessed trends in socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular risk factors prevalence among Swiss adults from 2008 to 2019. MethodsUsing data from the Bus Santé study, an annual survey of adults living in Geneva, Switzerland, we calculated the prevalence per period and by demographic and socioeconomic indicators, assessing inequality trends using the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII). ResultsAmong 10,739 participants, most CVD risk factors decreased over time, while diabetes, obesity, and smoking prevalence remained steady. In 2017–2019, prevalence of most CVD risk factors was higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Relative and absolute inequalities decreased over time, but mostly remained, for hypertension [in 2017–2019, education-RII (95 % CI) = 1.27 (1.12–1.46), income-RII = 1.27 (1.10–1.47)], hypercholesterolemia [education-RII = 1.15 (1.00–1.32)], and sedentarity [education-RII = 1.95 (1.52–2.51), income-RII = 1.69 (1.28–2.23)], and appeared to have reversed for hazardous alcohol use [income-RII = 0.75 (0.60–0.93)]. Substantial and persistent relative and absolute inequalities in diabetes prevalence were observed [education-RII = 2.39 (1.75–3.27), income-RII = 3.18 (2.25–4.48), and subsidy-RII = 2.77 (1.89–4.05)]. Inequalities were also marked across all socioeconomic indicators for obesity prevalence [education-RII = 3.32 (2.63–4.19), income–RII = 2.37 (1.85–3.04), subsidy-RII = 1.98 (1.48–2.66)] and for smoking [education-RII = 2.42 (2.06–2.84), income-RII = 2.37 (1.99–2.84), subsidy-RII = 1.91 (1.56–2.35)]. ConclusionsOver 12 years in Geneva, Switzerland, socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hazardous alcohol use, and sedentarity decreased but persist, while substantial inequalities in diabetes, obesity, and smoking remained unchanged.

Integrating equity indicators for hospital reporting metrics

Disparities in healthcare delivery and design are deeply-rooted within healthcare systems globally. Many researchers have developed methods to measure inequity; however, there currently exists no accepted measurement approach implemented consistently across health systems. We applied the model-based Relative Index of Inequality (RII) as a measure of inequity at one of Canada’s largest health systems, Trillium Health Partners, across two service types: planned and outpatient. Our RII estimates suggest that the lowest-SES individuals received planned and outpatient services at rates 2.4 times and 2.5 times lower than the highest-SES individuals, respectively. Across both service types, the largest disparity was for breast cancer screening, where patients from the lowest-SES neighbourhoods were 5.4 times less likely to use this service at THP. These findings further underscore the importance of consistently measuring and monitoring inequities to develop effective strategies to address the health needs of patients from lower SES neighbourhoods. The approach used within this study should be considered for widespread integration into health system reporting metrics.

A Regression-based Method for Estimating Generalised Entropy and Atkinson Inequality Indices and their Standard Errors

Abstract In this paper we show that a regression-based approach can be used to estimate generalised entropy and Atkinson inequality indices and their associated standard errors. The applicability of this approach is demonstrated using the health expenditure data from the United States (US) medical expenditure panel survey (MEPS).

Determinants of women’s labor participation rate: Evidence in ASEAN

Attention to women's involvement in the workforce is increasing in social and economic development, particularly in developing countries such as those in ASEAN. However, data indicates that despite progress, the Gender Inequality Index (GII) remains high in ASEAN countries. This condition underscores the importance of focusing specifically on women's empowerment, reproductive health, and participation in the labor market. This research analyzes the influence of wages, women's involvement in parliament, women's life expectancy, fertility rates, and maternal mortality rates on women's labor participation rates in ASEAN. Data for this research was acquired from the World Bank. The study is quantitative, utilizing panel data regression analysis from 2011-2022, covering 11 ASEAN countries, using the Random Effects Model (REM) approach. The research findings indicate that wage, women's life expectancy, fertility rate, and maternal mortality rate variables significantly influence women's labor participation rates in ASEAN from 2011-2022, while women's involvement in parliament does not significantly affect women's labor participation rates. Therefore, ASEAN countries' governments should increase women's wages and healthcare access, promote family planning, support gender equality in education and employment, and enhance women's political participation.

Measuring Patriarchy in Italy*

ABSTRACT Patriarchy is an abstract concept; however, its consequences are visible and substantial in society in an endless list of events that mainly affect women’s lives, but do not exclude men’s life experience either. By defining a patriarchy index for Italy—for the first time ever—this article aims at describing patriarchy, from an economic perspective, as a complex aggregate, based on several stereotypes, represented by a series of variables related to behaviours, classified in four domains: the degree of patrilocality, the dominance of men over women, the dominance of older over younger generations, and socio-economic domination. As it is structured, the patriarchy index might complement the more famous Gender Equality Index (GEI), calculated by the European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE), with a measure that focuses on the ‘invisible’ component of gender inequality. This case study on Italy represents an opportunity to confirm the well-known socio-economic dualism between regions in the North and South from a gender perspective. Regions in the North and Central regions score very close results and show that, although patriarchal stereotypes are still present and strong, patriarchy is becoming minoritarian. On the opposite side, the South still shows strong and majoritarian patriarchal patterns.

Global burden and cross-country inequalities in stroke and subtypes attributable to diet from 1990 to 2019

Data sourcesThe Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study (GBD) 2019.BackgroundTo describe burden, and to explore cross-country inequalities according to socio-demographic index (SDI) for stroke and subtypes attributable to diet.MethodsDeath and years lived with disability (YLDs) data and corresponding estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were estimated by year, age, gender, location and SDI. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the connections between age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, YLDs, their EAPCs and SDI. We used ARIMA model to predict the trend. Slope index of inequality (SII) and relative concentration index (RCI) were utilized to quantify the distributive inequalities in the burden of stroke.ResultsA total of 1.74 million deaths (56.17% male) and 5.52 million YLDs (55.27% female) attributable to diet were included in the analysis in 2019.Between 1990 and 2019, the number of global stroke deaths and YLDs related to poor diet increased by 25.96% and 74.76% while ASRs for death and YLDs decreased by 42.29% and 11.34% respectively. The disease burden generally increased with age. The trends varied among stroke subtypes, with ischemic stroke (IS) being the primary cause of YLDs and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) being the leading cause of death. Mortality is inversely proportional to SDI (R = -0.45, p < 0.001). In terms of YLDs, countries with different SDIs exhibited no significant difference (p = 0.15), but the SII changed from 38.35 in 1990 to 45.18 in 2019 and the RCI showed 18.27 in 1990 and 24.98 in 2019 for stroke. The highest ASRs for death and YLDs appeared in Mongolia and Vanuatu while the lowest of them appeared in Israel and Belize, respectively. High sodium diets, high red meat consumption, and low fruit diets were the top three contributors to stroke YLDs in 2019.DiscussionThe burden of diet-related stroke and subtypes varied significantly concerning year, age, gender, location and SDI. Countries with higher SDIs exhibited a disproportionately greater burden of stroke and its subtypes in terms of YLDs, and these disparities were found to intensify over time. To reduce disease burden, it is critical to enforce improved dietary practices, with a special emphasis on mortality drop in lower SDI countries and incidence decline in higher SDI countries.

Can tourism contribute to gender equality? Evidence from South American countries

The research examines the causal relationship between tourism and gender equality for 10 South American countries in the period 2006-2019. Panel data modelling has been used to account for unobservable heterogeneity derived from time series and cross-sectional data. Estimates of the gender equality index have been made for both fixed and random effects for four models, considering as explanatory variables international tourism receipts (% of exports) which were kept constant in each of the estimates, in addition to real GDP per capita (model 2), education expenditures (model 3) and female labor participation in agriculture, industry and services (model 4). Based on the estimates we selected, through the Hausman test, those with fixed effects in three of the four models, which were corrected for the presence of autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity problems. The results show that tourism has a positive and significant effect on gender equality. With respect to the control variables, education expenditure and GDP per capita are found to be statistically significant, showing a direct relationship with gender equality, similarly to international tourism receipts. An inverse relationship is identified between gender equality and women's labor participation in agriculture and services.

Analysis of Theil Comparative Decomposition Index to Measure Regional Inequality Due to Industrialization Residues

The Industrial sector in Kendal County, Indonesia, is one of the national strategic projects aimed at promoting investment accumulation and job creation. Unfortunately, the rapid development of this Industrial sector has resulted in income inequality compared to other sectors. This research aims to examine and measure the contribution of the Industrial sector in Kendal County to aggregate inequality. Methodologically, this research uses a quantitative descriptive approach, which involves indexing inequality to reveal economic phenomena. The inequality indices include the Gini ratio index, the Williamson index, and the Theil index. In Kendal County, inequality is at a moderate to high level, as evidenced by a Gini ratio index of 0.411 and a Williamson index of 0.775. On the other hand, the Theil index reaches 0.519, placing it in between the Gini ratio and the Williamson index. The high inequality in Kendal County is attributed to the Industrial sector, accounting for 41.19%. The Industrial sector significantly contributes to the widening of inequality in Kendal County. This is due to the Industrial sector attracting production input factors such as investments, resources, human capital, monetary conditions, and technological innovation. However, the trickle-down effect does not occur between the Industrial sector and other economic sectors such as agriculture, food and beverages, trade, services, and accommodation.

Evaluación de la efectividad de tecnologías adaptativas para mejorar la educación de estudiantes con discapacidad visual

The condition of disability can be an indication of inequality, limitation, lack of opportunities and discrimination in all aspects of life and education is no exception. The research is aimed at analyzing how the use of tools based on typhotechnology such as the braille system, screen readers and audiobooks and the closed abacus contributes to increasing the accessibility, participation and performance of students with 80% of visual disabilities. . It was necessary to apply a methodology framed in the socio-critical, field and experimental paradigm, with a mixed quali-quantitative nature and a descriptive-explanatory approach, exploratory factor analysis was used. The results suggest a significant impact on the academic progress of the experiment group related to the use of the tools, the factor analysis highlights the existence of a common underlying factor that influences performance and their ability to learn compared to the use of the tools, identifying a variation in performance according to the specific needs and abilities of each student, which highlights the importance of inclusive education with adaptive tools that respond to the needs and abilities to increase educational quality.

Deconstructing the gender-equality paradox.

Studies advancing the hypothesis of a "gender-equality paradox" have found that societies with more gender equality demonstrate larger gender differences across a range of phenomena. In doing so, they rely on that practice of predicting an algebraic difference score-calculated from mean scores for men and women across a set of countries-with an index of gender equality or some related concept. We argue that direct difference score predictions of this type are impossible to interpret because very different combinations of constituents-mean scores of men and women and properties of these means-can produce identical direct difference score predictions. We reanalyzed three large cross-cultural data sets with 15 variables from three different domains-attitudes toward science and technology, economic preferences, and personality traits-to showcase our method of deconstructing difference score predictions and to investigate to what extent the rhetoric of the gender-equality paradox describes a real phenomenon. The results were highly heterogeneous. For some characteristics, men's and women's country-level means varied identically as a function of country-level gender equality (no paradox). For other characteristics, there were differences in how men's and women's means varied. Whether these differences could be described in the rhetoric of the paradox varied. More pertinent is the necessity of deconstructing difference score predictions into their constituent components before attempting to answer questions regarding a paradox. It is in the terminology of these components and their properties that future hypotheses should be tested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).