The Impact of Social, Economic and Gender Inequality on Prosperity in the European Union Countries

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to examine the link between the three types of inequality in society and reveal the factors that contribute most to enhancing the prosperity of European Union countries and regions. Methodology/Approach: The first part of the analysis is using correlation matrices to reveal the links between the different forms of inequality. The following parts employ Ordinary least squares models to estimate the significant factors promoting prosperity in countries. Findings: We find a strong positive correlation between European Union countries’ prosperity and gender and social equality. There is also a strong positive correlation between social and gender equality. In contrast, only a very weak negative relationship is shown between economic inequality characterised by the Gini coefficient and prosperity. It turned out, that prosperity has been shown to be strongly impacted by the population’s education. However, also women’s representation in top politics enhances prosperity. Research Limitation/Implication: The scope of the analysis in terms of available data was limited, particularly when examining the determinants of prosperity at the regional level. Data for analysed variables were not available for all European Union regions. Originality/Value of paper: The article not only focuses on a particular type of inequality but examines the relationship between economic, gender and social inequality. It offers insights into their interconnectedness, which allows a better understanding of the impact of inequality on society and a country’s prosperity.