Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MapIneq (Mapping inequalities through the life course)
Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2023-12-31
Inequality is a complex web connecting different life domains closely tied to how our institutions and local communities operate. When one form of inequality changes, it often ripples into other areas of life, both immediately and at later stages of the life course. This interconnectedness and the unpredictability of outcomes make it tricky to create policies that genuinely address inequalities. What works nationally might not have the same impact within different regions or local communities—and often leads to unexpected consequences in entirely different life domains.
To make a difference, we have to consider various types of inequalities, recognise the differences between local, regional, national, and supranational levels, and identify all the factors contributing to how inequalities unfold over time. Mapineq’s mission is to untangle this web of inequalities, for which we focus on three key questions:
1. Local and National Opportunity Structures: How do social institutions, demographics, and macroeconomic conditions influence inequalities across regions and localities?
2. Life Domains and Spillovers: How do changes across life domains contribute to inequalities, with unintended consequences spilling over from one domain to another?
3. Influence of Policies and Societal Shocks: How are inequalities shaped by policies and societal shocks, especially considering recent societal changes and challenges like the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic?
Mapineq moves beyond conventional country-level analyses, exploring the intricacies within each country to understand how variations in social structures, institutions, and the physical environment contribute to social inequalities. To unravel this complexity, we're developing an open-access database and an online interactive dashboard encompassing institutional and policy measures (education, family, labour market, social benefits, health, taxes), the physical environment (evaluating pollution and green spaces), and inventive socio-economic indicators from commercial companies (like housing prices, consumer behaviour) and other unconventional sources of contextual data.
Expected Impact: Mapineq aims to significantly impact local, national, and supranational levels by offering valuable insights. Our project goes beyond research, building tools for decision-makers and the public to foster understanding and drive positive change. By addressing key societal challenges, including recent global crises, we seek to influence policies and perceptions of inequalities for a more inclusive and just society.
To make a difference, we have to consider various types of inequalities, recognise the differences between local, regional, national, and supranational levels, and identify all the factors contributing to how inequalities unfold over time. Mapineq’s mission is to untangle this web of inequalities, for which we focus on three key questions:
1. Local and National Opportunity Structures: How do social institutions, demographics, and macroeconomic conditions influence inequalities across regions and localities?
2. Life Domains and Spillovers: How do changes across life domains contribute to inequalities, with unintended consequences spilling over from one domain to another?
3. Influence of Policies and Societal Shocks: How are inequalities shaped by policies and societal shocks, especially considering recent societal changes and challenges like the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic?
Mapineq moves beyond conventional country-level analyses, exploring the intricacies within each country to understand how variations in social structures, institutions, and the physical environment contribute to social inequalities. To unravel this complexity, we're developing an open-access database and an online interactive dashboard encompassing institutional and policy measures (education, family, labour market, social benefits, health, taxes), the physical environment (evaluating pollution and green spaces), and inventive socio-economic indicators from commercial companies (like housing prices, consumer behaviour) and other unconventional sources of contextual data.
Expected Impact: Mapineq aims to significantly impact local, national, and supranational levels by offering valuable insights. Our project goes beyond research, building tools for decision-makers and the public to foster understanding and drive positive change. By addressing key societal challenges, including recent global crises, we seek to influence policies and perceptions of inequalities for a more inclusive and just society.
Mapineq began in October 2022. Our efforts have concentrated on the foundations for developing our cutting-edge geolocated inequality database and fostering effective research communication and collaboration with policy stakeholders. Throughout this time, we have:
• Implemented a Website, Logo, and Visual Identity.
• Published a detailed strategy for the exploitation and communication of results.
• Formulated a robust Data Management Plan (DMP), incorporating protocols for security and adherence to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
• Launched and nurtured Social Media Channels, building communities to amplify our impact and engage with a diverse audience.
• Launched a Newsletter to keep our stakeholders informed and connected.
• Produced two insightful working papers delving into the effects of the physical environment on educational inequalities.
• Unveiled the first two modules of Mapineq Link, our groundbreaking inequality database: Phase 1 –geospatial social and economic policy database; and Phase 2 – physical environmental geo-linked indicators.
• Actively participated in thought-provoking policy dialogues, contributing to meaningful discussions on tackling inequalities.
• Published our first Policy Brief titled “Beyond education and training – How can we adapt to future needs of local labour markets?”
• Implemented a Website, Logo, and Visual Identity.
• Published a detailed strategy for the exploitation and communication of results.
• Formulated a robust Data Management Plan (DMP), incorporating protocols for security and adherence to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
• Launched and nurtured Social Media Channels, building communities to amplify our impact and engage with a diverse audience.
• Launched a Newsletter to keep our stakeholders informed and connected.
• Produced two insightful working papers delving into the effects of the physical environment on educational inequalities.
• Unveiled the first two modules of Mapineq Link, our groundbreaking inequality database: Phase 1 –geospatial social and economic policy database; and Phase 2 – physical environmental geo-linked indicators.
• Actively participated in thought-provoking policy dialogues, contributing to meaningful discussions on tackling inequalities.
• Published our first Policy Brief titled “Beyond education and training – How can we adapt to future needs of local labour markets?”
The scientific impact of Mapineq involves generating a comprehensive understanding of the trends and drivers of the intergenerational, educational, labour market, and health inequalities over the life course. The created knowledge will contribute to evidence-informed policy dialogues at local, regional, national, and supranational levels, providing efficient means to address and mitigate the trends of increasing inequalities strategically placed at the best governance level.
To achieve this, we are developing a groundbreaking, openly accessible geolocated inequality database, MapineqLink. This resource includes an interactive visualisation tool that maps the inequality landscapes, designed for use by the scientific community, researchers, policymakers, and interest groups.
By bridging together methodologies, new types of data, and mapping technologies and drawing from different disciplines, Mapineq contributes to the evolution of science and its approaches. This interdisciplinary approach enriches and upgrades discussions and dialogues with society on how to effectively tackle inequalities.
To achieve this, we are developing a groundbreaking, openly accessible geolocated inequality database, MapineqLink. This resource includes an interactive visualisation tool that maps the inequality landscapes, designed for use by the scientific community, researchers, policymakers, and interest groups.
By bridging together methodologies, new types of data, and mapping technologies and drawing from different disciplines, Mapineq contributes to the evolution of science and its approaches. This interdisciplinary approach enriches and upgrades discussions and dialogues with society on how to effectively tackle inequalities.