Inequity in the Face of Death

49 Pages Posted: 13 Feb 2013

See all articles by Pilar Garcia-Gomez

Pilar Garcia-Gomez

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Erasmus School of Economics (ESE)

Erik Schokkaert

Catholic University of Leuven (KUL)

Tom Van Ourti

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR); Tinbergen Institute

Teresa Bago d'Uva

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Faculty of Economics; Tinbergen Institute

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: May 21, 2012

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

Suggested Citation

Garcia Gomez, Pilar and Schokkaert, Erik and Van Ourti, Tom and Bago d'Uva, Teresa, Inequity in the Face of Death (May 21, 2012). Netspar Discussion Paper No. 05/2012-059, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2214856 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2214856

Pilar Garcia Gomez (Contact Author)

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) ( email )

P.O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam, NL 3062 PA
Netherlands

Erik Schokkaert

Catholic University of Leuven (KUL) ( email )

Oude Markt 13
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant 3000
Belgium

Tom Van Ourti

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) ( email )

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
3000 DR Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland 3062PA
Netherlands

Tinbergen Institute ( email )

Burg. Oudlaan 50
Rotterdam, 3062 PA
Netherlands

Teresa Bago d'Uva

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) - Faculty of Economics ( email )

Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
3000 DR Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland 3062PA
Netherlands

Tinbergen Institute ( email )

Burg. Oudlaan 50
Rotterdam, 3062 PA
Netherlands

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