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On the welfare state performance in the European Union

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Coelli
  • Mathieu Lefebvre
  • Sergio Perelman
  • Pierre Pestieau

Abstract

In this paper we use data on five social inclusion indicators (poverty, inequality, unemployment, education and health) to assess and compare the performance of 27 European welfare states (EU27) in 2008. Aggregate measures of performance are obtained using index number methods similar to those employed in the construction of the widely used Human Development Index (HDI). These are compared with alternative measures derived from data envelopment analysis (DEA) methods. We are particularly interested by the comparison between EU15 and the 12 newcomers (EU12). As it will appear among the newcomers some countries are ranking among the top performers and others are relegated in the bottom of the ranking.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Coelli & Mathieu Lefebvre & Sergio Perelman & Pierre Pestieau, 2011. "On the welfare state performance in the European Union," CREPP Working Papers 1101, Centre de Recherche en Economie Publique et de la Population (CREPP) (Research Center on Public and Population Economics) HEC-Management School, University of Liège.
    • Handle: RePEc:rpp:wpaper:1101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General

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