eprintid: 4360
rev_number: 4
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/43/60
datestamp: 2023-09-01 12:21:42
lastmod: 2023-09-01 12:21:42
status_changed: 2023-09-01 12:21:42
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Kamstra, Karin
creators_id: S3726703
creators_email: karin.kamstra3011@gmail.com
title: The influence of European Integration on convergence in life expectancy between Dutch border- and non-border regions: A longitudinal analysis between 1988-2021
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: Despite improvements over time, health inequalities persist between and within European countries. However, it remains unclear to what extent the European Integration’s developments (i.e. the principles of free movement, funds, cross-border cooperation and the right to equal treatment) affected the relatively disadvantaged border regions. These regions have likely benefitted directly from increased (economic) activity and cooperation after opening the borders (core-periphery model), allowing them to catch up in health (convergence-divergence framework). Hence, the current study aims to assess the role of European Integration on convergence in life expectancy trajectories between Dutch border- and non-border regions, including the role of contextual factors and spatial patterns.
Convergence in life expectancy trajectories is assessed with line graphs (RQ1), spatial patterns are investigated with maps (RQ1a) and the role of contextual factors is studied with a fixed effects panel regression (RQ1b). The results provide no compelling evidence of convergence in life expectancy trajectories since the European Integration (1992), likely because social- and health policies remained a national responsibility and the improvement in border regions’ attractiveness could be limited. The regression analysis indicates that a catch up of GDP per capita, employment and relative population growth (for women) in border regions are associated with convergence. Directions for future research point to continuing this line of research in a less homogenous (cross-border) context, study all non-border regions and increase the number of contextual factors. Policy recommendations emphasise improved data availability and regional initiatives to boost economic growth and the attractiveness of the most disadvantaged border regions.
date: 2023
pages: 58
thesis_type: master
degree_programme: POPST
tutors_name: Vogt, T.C.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Demografie
tutors_email: T.C.Vogt@rug.nl
security: public
keywords_local: European Integration
keywords_local: Life expectancy
keywords_local: Border region
keywords_local: Convergence
keywords_local: The Netherlands
keywords_local: Living conditions
keywords_local: Divergence-convergence framework
keywords_local: Core-periphery model
keywords_local: Fixed effects panel regression
language_iso: en
date_issued: 2023-09-01
citation:   Kamstra, Karin  (2023) The influence of European Integration on convergence in life expectancy between Dutch border- and non-border regions: A longitudinal analysis between 1988-2021.  Master thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4360/1/Kamstra_S3726703_Master_Thesis_Final.pdf