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.
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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.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Degree programme: | Population Studies |
| Supervisor: | Vogt, T.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Sep 2023 12:21 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Sep 2023 12:21 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4360 |
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