A "Beyond-GDP" approach to fair and sustainable well-being: integrating regional and gender perspectives

Michele Mariani (), Alessandro Pietropaoli () and Tommaso Rughi ()
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Michele Mariani: Bank of Italy
Alessandro Pietropaoli: Bank of Italy
Tommaso Rughi: University of Bologna

No 1023, Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) from Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area

Abstract: This paper investigates the complex nexus between multidimensional well-being and gender equality across Italian regions (2018-2023). We propose a dual analytical framework by constructing two distinct composite indicators from the Istat "equitable and sustainable well-being" (Benessere equo e sostenibile, BES) dataset: one measuring overall regional well-being and the other reflecting gender equality after disentangling it from achievement levels. Our analysis yields three key findings. First, we find structural asymmetry: well-being follows a clear North-South divide, while gender equality is geographically fragmented. Second, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to analyse both phenomena, we identify five distinct regional groups, highlighting multiple development pathways. Third, a dynamic analysis shows that while well-being displays modest convergence, gender equality does not, indicating gender gaps are not self-correcting. This makes our dual approach essential for designing targeted, place-sensitive policies.

Keywords: multidimensional well-being; gender equality; synthetic indices; Italy; regional disparities; equitable and sustainable well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C38 I31 R10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_1023_26

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