Economic Inequality in a Conceptual Framework
Getting to know how inequality works and an application for the Netherlands
J.W.M. van der Meer (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)
Servaas Storm – Mentor (TU Delft - Economics of Technology and Innovation)
Udo Pesch – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Ethics & Philosophy of Technology)
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An interactive webtool representing the developed conceptual framework
https://arjanvanschendel.github.io/inequality_model.htmlOther than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
This integrative literature research analyses economic inequality using a system perspective. Topics related to the quantification, causes, and effects revolving around economic inequality are reviewed and presented in an overarching conceptual framework. The functioning of the conceptual framework is tested by performing an application on the Netherlands. Results show that economic inequality is a complex problem with multiple interconnecting parameters that cannot be solved with a single "silver bullet" policy. Economic inequality requires a systematic and integrative approach to enable a positive change. Also, the conceptual framework allowed to indicate numerous issues within the system of economic inequality occurring in the Netherlands that require our attention. Overall, this research offers a new perspective on the issue of economic inequality. The conceptual framework is the first in its kind and is able to inform and educate researchers, policymakers, and others about the system of economic inequality in a manner that has never been done before.