Inequity in the Face of Death

Abstract

We apply the theory of inequality in opportunity to measure inequity in mortality. Our empirical work is based on a rich dataset for the Netherlands (1998-2007), linking information about mortality, health events and lifestyles. We show that distinguishing between different channels via which mortality is a¤ected is necessary to test the sensitivity of the results with respect to different normative positions. Moreover, our model allows for a comparison of the inequity in simulated counterfactual situations, including an evaluation of policy measures.

We explicitly make a distinction between inequity in mortality risks and inequity in mortality outcomes. The treatment of this difference - "luck" - has a crucial influence on the results.

Keywords: Equity, equality of opportunities, mortality, lifestyles

JEL Classification: D63, I12, I14