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A new composite index of social inequalities in Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Mihai Antonia

    (Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania and Institute of National Economy, Romania)

  • Zizi Goschin

    (Institute of National Economy, Romania)

Abstract

Regional inequalities in Romania are not only among the highest in the European Union, but they are also perpetuated by inefficient public policies and an inequitable distribution of resources. Given that inequalities in access to education, healthcare and general services are closely linked to the standard of living and development opportunities, a vicious circle of poverty and social exclusion is created in the lagging regions. Social, economic and political inequalities are closely linked, and research should consider unequal access to essential resources and services, such as education, health services, housing or job opportunities, as essential factors that exacerbate disparities between social groups or regions. Aiming to provide a more comprehensive and clearer image of regional socio-economic inequalities in Romania, we built a new composite index of regional inequalities and examined its long-term convergence trend, as well as its relationship with economic growth. Our research contributes to the identification of areas where interventions can most effectively address social and economic imbalances.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihai Antonia & Zizi Goschin, 2025. "A new composite index of social inequalities in Romania," Romanian Journal of Regional Science, Romanian Regional Science Association, vol. 19(1), pages 20-50, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:rrs:journl:v:19:y:2025:i:1:p:20-50
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Géraldine Thiry, 2015. "Beyond GDP: Conceptual Grounds of Quantification. The Case of the Index of Economic Well-Being (IEWB)," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 121(2), pages 313-343, April.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • R15 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Econometric and Input-Output Models; Other Methods

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