Measuring inequality in income distribution between men and women: what causes gender inequality in Europe?

Abstract

Two objectives have been raised in this paper. On the one hand, an index has been elab- orated that tries to measure the inequality of the income distribution between men and women. Secondly, the factors that determine this inequality have been analyzed, paying special attention to the role of the public sector through social expenditure policy. To this end, a panel data has been estimated for 33 European countries over a period of 15 years. The results show that income inequality and gender inequality are closely linked, and that social spending in general and health spending in particular improve income distribution equity between men and women.