The Impact of Income Inequality on Suicide Rate in Taiwan－A County-level Analysis

• Main Authors: Weng, Wen Lung, 翁文龍
• Other Authors: Lo, Kuang Ta
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/f9k48c

碩士 === 國立政治大學 === 行政管理碩士學程 === 102 === This study investigates the impact of income inequality on suicide rate in Taiwan. Using panel data of 23 countries for the period 2004-2010, As a proxy for income inequality, Gini coefficients based on the Survey of Family Income and Expenditure, compiled by the Department of Government of Budget. Empirical results show Gini coefficient has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on total, male and aged 25-44 suicide rates. This paper argues that the Gini coefficient remain around 0.34 for the period of 2004-2010 without significant change, and only 7 years of data may be part of the reason why empirical result is not significant, another reason that might cause Gini coefficient lower is one of the element "disposable income" it did not included capital gain. However, the most noteworthy feature is the magnitude of the Gini coefficients for male and aged 45-64. In other words, these two groups are concerned on the fairness of income distribution. In order to prevent the suicide rate goes higher, government should change the unfair taxes that benefit the riches right away.