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Minimum wages and health: evidence from European countries

Author

Listed:
  • Laetitia Lebihan

    (CEMOI - Centre d'Économie et de Management de l'Océan Indien - UR - Université de La Réunion)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of minimum wage on health, well-being, and income security in European countries. The empirical strategy consists of exploiting variations in the minimum wage across European countries over time. We show that minimum wage increases improve individuals' self-reported health and income security. Minimum wage increases also improve life satisfaction and happiness. The effects are largest among women, employed individuals, married individuals, and those with less than a secondary education. Our results are robust to several robustness checks and consistent with existing evidence on the relationship between minimum wage and health.

Suggested Citation

  • Laetitia Lebihan, 2023. "Minimum wages and health: evidence from European countries," Post-Print hal-04288365, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04288365
    DOI: 10.1007/s10754-022-09340-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy

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