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Multidimensional Educational Inequality in Italy: A Stacking-Based Approach for Gender and Territorial Analysis

Author

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  • Martina De Anna

    (Department of Economics and Business, University of Genova, 16126 Genova, Italy)

  • Enrico Ivaldi

    (Faculty of Communications, IULM University, 20122 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

This study investigates regional and gender disparities in educational attainment across Italy in 2021, drawing on the Fair and Sustainable Well-being (BES) dataset from ISTAT. By applying cluster analysis and composite indicators—including the Mazziotta–Pareto Index (MPI), geometric and arithmetic means, min-max normalization, and principal component analysis (PCA)—we assess the robustness and consistency of educational performance across regions. A key methodological innovation is the use of the stacking method to ensure comparability between genders. Results show persistent North–South educational divides and a consistent female advantage across all indicators. The paper contributes to Sustainable Development Goals by providing empirical insights into SDG 4 (Quality Education) through measurement of educational inequality and access; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by highlighting structural advantages of women in educational outcomes; and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through a territorial analysis of disparities and policy implications. The findings offer both a methodological contribution—by testing multiple aggregation techniques—and a practical tool for policy evaluation, emphasizing the importance of multidimensional and gender-sensitive approaches in achieving educational sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina De Anna & Enrico Ivaldi, 2025. "Multidimensional Educational Inequality in Italy: A Stacking-Based Approach for Gender and Territorial Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6243-:d:1696979
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonardo S. Alaimo & Filomena Maggino, 2020. "Sustainable Development Goals Indicators at Territorial Level: Conceptual and Methodological Issues—The Italian Perspective," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 147(2), pages 383-419, January.
    2. Enrico Ivaldi & Paolo Parra Saiani & Juan José Primosich & Carolina Bruzzi, 2020. "Health and Deprivation: A New Approach Applied to 32 Argentinian Urban Areas," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 151(1), pages 155-179, August.
    3. Sadaf Naz & Syed Afzal Shah & Anjum Qayum, 2020. "Gender Differences in Motivation And Academic Achievement: A Study Of the University Students of KP, Pakistan," Global Regional Review, Humanity Only, vol. 5(1), pages 67-75, March.
    4. Carlotta Montorsi & Chiara Gigliarano, 2024. "Spatial Comprehensive Well-Being Composite Indicators Based on Bayesian Latent Factor Model: Evidence from Italian Provinces," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 175(2), pages 347-383, November.
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