Comparative Analysis of Regional Gender Disparities

Abstract

AbstractThe analysis of gender equality at country level is a key information tool to assess the impact of gender policies as well as the trends of change over time regarding this social reality. In this chapter we would like to deepen this type of analysis by investigating at the regional level (NUTS2) to what extent differentiated behaviour can be observed within each country. We have chosen Italy, Spain and France as case study, covering a total of 62 regions, to analyse gender equality with the different indicators proposed in the GEI and to be able to observe what particularities emerge from a disaggregated territorial analysis, essential for the development of local gender policies. We carried out two types of analysis: a) the construction of the index and the analysis of the six main domains that define the measure: Work, Money, Time, Power, Knowledge and Health, with the aim of typifying the regions analysed, showing specific structures and dynamics that allow us to enrich the conclusions of the analyses; b) to relate the results obtained in the RGEI to elements linked to other indicators of economic, social, cultural, political and demographic development. The relevance of this analysis is inscribed in the importance of the persistent regional disparities observed in Europe. Monitoring these regional gender differences is essential in order to identify processes of convergence (or divergence) that are urgently needed and for the evaluation and implementation of policies at regional level.