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Social inequalities in Europe: Facing the challenge

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  • Allmendinger, Jutta
  • von den Driesch, Ellen

Abstract

This discussion paper describes the extent of social inequalities both within and between the countries of the European Union. In the first three chapters we address the micro level of individual life courses: education, employment and income. The following chapters analyse the societal consequences of inequalities. Chapter 4 looks at the unequal distribution of financial resources, while chapter 5 addresses the social and political outcomes of financial inequalities. In sum, there is mounting scientific evidence that various forms of educational, employment and financial inequalities increase over time. Moreover, societal exclusion is likely to lead to forms of political exclusion that is, a depoliticisation of socially excluded groups or to various forms of political extremism. This is an alarming sign for the future of European democracies and is in glaring contradiction to the democratic political values of equality enshrined in the Treaties.

Suggested Citation

  • Allmendinger, Jutta & von den Driesch, Ellen, 2014. "Social inequalities in Europe: Facing the challenge," Discussion Papers, Presidential Department P 2014-005, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbpre:p2014005
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/103956/1/800451910.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Allmendinger, Jutta, 1989. "Career mobility dynamics: a comparative analysis of the United States, Norway, and West Germany," EconStor Books, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, volume 49, number 122874, December.
    5. Graf, Lukas, 2013. "The Hybridization of Vocational Training and Higher Education in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland," EconStor Books, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, number 251577, December.
    6. Juan F. Jimeno & Diego Rodríguez-Palenzuela, "undated". "Youth unemployment in the OECD: Demographic shifts, labour market institutions, and macroeconomic shocks," Working Papers 2002-15, FEDEA.
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    Cited by:

    1. Malgorzata K. Guzowska & Barbara Kryk, 2020. "Implementation of the Social Goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy by EU Member States," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 1213-1229.
    2. Christine Mayrhuber & Rainer Eppel & Thomas Horvath & Helmut Mahringer, 2020. "Destandardisierung von Erwerbsverläufen und Rückwirkungen auf die Alterssicherung," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 66001, March.
    3. Ali Madanipour & Sabine Weck, 2015. "Social exclusion and poverty in Europe: Territorial patterns," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 30(7), pages 715-720, November.
    4. Malgorzata K. Guzowska & Barbara Kryk, 2020. "Implementation of the Social Goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy by EU Member States," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 2), pages 58-74.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Europe; Social inequalities; Income; Education; Employment; Returns to Education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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