Inequity in the Face of Death
49 Pages Posted: 13 Feb 2013
There are 2 versions of this paper
Inequity in the Face of Death
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: Suggested Citation