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Inequalities of income and inequalities of longevity: A cross-country study

Author

Listed:
  • Neumayer, E.
  • Plumper, T.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the effects of market income inequality (income inequality before taxes and transfers) and income redistribution via taxes and transfers on inequality in longevity. Methods.Weused life tables to compute Gini coefficients of longevity inequality for all individuals and for individuals who survived to at least 10 years of age. We regressed longevity inequality on market income inequality and income redistribution, and we controlled for potential confounders, in a cross-sectional time-series sample of up to 28 predominantly Western developed countries and up to 37 years (1974-2011). Results. Income inequality before taxes and transfers was positively associated with inequality in the number of years lived; income redistribution (the difference between market income inequality and income inequality after taxes and transfers were accounted for) was negatively associated with longevity inequality. Conclusions.To the extent that our estimated effects derived from observational data are causal, governments can reduce longevity inequality not only via public health policies, but also via their influence on market income inequality and the redistribution of incomes from the relatively rich to the relatively poor.

Suggested Citation

  • Neumayer, E. & Plumper, T., 2016. "Inequalities of income and inequalities of longevity: A cross-country study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(1), pages 160-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2015.302849_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302849
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruhai Bai & Junxiang Wei & Ruopeng An & Yan Li & Laura Collett & Shaonong Dang & Wanyue Dong & Duolao Wang & Zeping Fang & Yaling Zhao & Youfa Wang, 2018. "Trends in Life Expectancy and Its Association with Economic Factors in the Belt and Road Countries—Evidence from 2000–2014," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Keivan Diakite & Pierre Devolder, 2021. "Progressive Pension Formula and Life Expectancy Heterogeneity," Risks, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Nguyen Cong Thang & Vo The Anh & Pham Ngoc Thach & Do Thanh Trung & Vo Hong Duc, 2021. "Gender-Based Attitudes toward Income Inequality in the Asia-Pacific Region," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(1), pages 123-137, January.
    4. Rob Clark & Kara Snawder, 2020. "A Cross-National Analysis of Lifespan Inequality, 1950–2015: Examining the Distribution of Mortality Within Countries," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 148(3), pages 705-732, April.
    5. Jan Delhey & Leonie C. Steckermeier, 2020. "Social Ills in Rich Countries: New Evidence on Levels, Causes, and Mediators," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 149(1), pages 87-125, May.
    6. Pereira, Diogo Santos & Marques, António Cardoso & Fuinhas, José Alberto, 2019. "Are renewables affecting income distribution and increasing the risk of household poverty?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 791-803.
    7. Sulhi Ridzuan, 2024. "Income redistribution and carbon emissions in Portugal," Portuguese Economic Journal, Springer;Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestao, vol. 23(3), pages 421-437, September.

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    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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