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A fuzzy approach for analysing equitable and sustainable well-being in Italian regions

Author

Listed:
  • Annamaria Porreca

    (G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara)

  • Salvador Cruz Rambaud

    (Universidad de Almería)

  • Francesca Scozzari

    (G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara)

  • Marta Nicola

    (G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara Chieti)

Abstract

Objectives Recently, the Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and the National Council for Economy and Labor (CNEL) have proposed a measure for the equitable and sustainable well-being called the BES (“Benessere Equo e Sostenibile”). This paper aims to propose an original application of the fuzzy k-means approach to providing an analysis of the Italian regions according to their BES. Methods The fuzzy k-means algorithm was used for clustering the Italian regions according to BES data 2015. Afterwards, a principal component analysis was conducted to show and interpret the results. Results There is a clear difference between the regions of the North and the South. The only exceptions are represented by Lazio and Abruzzo, which belong to both groups with almost equal degrees of truth. Moreover, Trentino-Alto Adige and Valle d’Aosta exhibit the best condition, whilst Molise is the worst region. Conclusions This study reveals that some Italian regions are in a state of backwardness regarding health, environment, minimum economic conditions, subjective well-being, education, employment conditions, social relationships, and working conditions. Therefore, institutions should consider local policies to address these issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Annamaria Porreca & Salvador Cruz Rambaud & Francesca Scozzari & Marta Nicola, 2019. "A fuzzy approach for analysing equitable and sustainable well-being in Italian regions," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 64(6), pages 935-942, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:64:y:2019:i:6:d:10.1007_s00038-019-01262-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01262-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Laura Bocci & Pierpaolo D’Urso & Vincenzina Vitale, 2021. "Clustering of the Italian Regions Based on Their Equitable and Sustainable Well-Being Indicators: A Three-Way Approach," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 155(3), pages 995-1043, June.
    2. Nicola Bellantuono & Francesco Paolo Lagrasta & Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo & Barbara Scozzi, 2021. "Well-Being and Sustainability in Crisis Areas: The Case of Taranto," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-23, February.

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