Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/247235 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
LIS Working Paper Series No. 800
Publisher: 
Luxembourg Income Study (LIS), Luxembourg
Abstract: 
Previous sociological research has overlooked the fact that a welfare state's tax system does not solely redistribute from rich to poor (vertical) but also between family types (horizontal). Different types of families are treated differently due to (de-)familialization policies in the tax code, such as joint filing for spouses or single-parent relief. In this study I aim to examine the tax system's modification of horizontal income inequality between the six most prevalent family types of non-retiree households. To answer my research aim I draw on harmonized data from 30 countries provided by the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). I estimate pre- and post-fiscal income inequality measured as between-family-type Theil indices. Using linear regression, I examine the association of the percentage change in inequality and the prevalence of family type-related tax characteristics. I apply hierarchical cluster analysis to evaluate the congruence of welfare state classification and family tax policy. The results show that welfare states with familialization tax policies reduce less horizontal income inequality compared to welfare states without familialization tax policies. Nevertheless, the prevalence and outcomes of familialization policies in the tax code do not correspond to welfare state classifications.
Subjects: 
family
inequality
redistribution
social policy
taxation
welfare state
JEL: 
H23
H24
I38
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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