countries, which we then compare to income inequality as measured
by Gini index values (Figure 24). The data reveal a strong negative
relationship between greater income inequality and lower levels of
education and health inequalities as experienced by children (ρ = -
0.28).
Figure 24. Income and Education/Health Inequalities, 2010(or latest available)
Source: Authors’ calculations using UNICEF (2010) and Solt (2009).
Note: Higher scores equal greater education and health equality among children
As in earlier analyses, data limitations prevent us from examining a
larger cohort of countries, but the strong relationship between
income inequality and other social inequalities most certainly applies
to developing countries. UNICEF (2010b) offers very conclusive
evidence in its analysis of household survey data from across the
developing world. In particular, children from developing country
households in the poorest income quintile are:
- Less than half as likely to have benefited from antenatal care
while in the womb
- Three times less likely to have been delivered by a skilled health
professional at birth
- Less than half as likely to be registered after birth
- Nearly three times as likely to be underweight
- Twice as likely to be stunted
- Less than half as likely to sleep under insecticide-treated bed
nets