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Multiple Disadvantage and Multiple Deprivation

Multiple Disadvantage and Multiple Deprivation: An Analysis of EU SILC

by Christopher T Whelan, Bertrand Maitre and Brian Nolan

This study, based on the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) survey, develops a multidimensional approach to social exclusion. This involves going beyond a focus on income and taking into account a range of living conditions. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion consistent poverty target constitutes an influential example of this approach.

This study identifies five distinct dimensions of deprivation, relating to basic items; consumption; housing; health; and neighbourhood/environment. Those who experience one form of deprivation are more likely to experience another. However, less than 1 per cent of people are deprived on all five dimensions. Even if we set the threshold at three dimensions, only 8 per cent are found in that situation.

The foregoing figures refer to the simultaneous experience of a range of different types of deprivation. However, a dynamic perspective seeks to capture the extent to which individuals are vulnerable to experiencing deprivation in the future. Thus an insurance company may know that some clients, such as those who smoke, not only experience more current health problems but are more likely to do so in the future.

In this study we identify four groups who over time are characterised by distinctive multiple deprivation risk profiles:

The first, accounting for over 80 per cent of the population, has low levels of risk on all five dimensions.
About 5 per cent of the population are found in a cluster that has relatively high levels of risk in relation to health and housing.
About 6 per cent are in a cluster displaying a distinctive level of risk in relation to current life-style deprivation including both basic deprivation and consumer durables.
Finally, about 7 per cent of the population - the maximally deprived - experience a distinctive risk of deprivation in relation to all five dimensions.

Those most exposed to risk of housing and health deprivation are farmers; those without educational qualifications; and local authority tenants; particularly in rural areas.

Those most vulnerable to exposure to current life-style deprivation are people who are inactive in the labour market; lone parents; those with less than a Leaving Certificate education; and rural local authority tenants.

For maximal deprivation, labour market inactivity and illness or disability are powerful predictors. Education is also a strong influence, and so is being an urban local authority tenant.

Only a small number of people simultaneously experience multiple disadvantages in terms of poor education, exclusion from the labour market, low social class and disadvantage in the housing market - though the degree of inequality in life chances involved for this small minority is profound.

The fact that multiple deprivation and multiple disadvantage are relatively rare acts as a counter to the sometimes despairing tone of commentary focusing on a so-called 'underclass' entirely detached from the mainstream of society: The evidence suggests that this concept does not have significant 'purchase' in an Irish context, whatever about the USA. However, in addition to tackling consistent poverty, it is important to capture those experiencing exposure to, and heightened risk of, very particular types of deprivation - in terms of health and housing, for example - and to address the factors which lead them into that situation. The approach adopted in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion recognises and seeks to address this reality.

For further information contact: Chris Whelan at 01-863 2020 or by email to chris.whelan@esri.ie