Anton Michálek

Bio: Anton Michálek is an academic researcher from Slovak Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Poverty & Population. The author has an hindex of 4, co-authored 11 publications receiving 51 citations.

Economic Growth, Inequality and Poverty in the EU

Abstract: A country’s poverty rate is influenced by numerous factors, including economic growth and the distribution of its effects. This article aims to classify European Union (EU) member states in terms of their ability to handle the economic challenges of the past decade. A country’s ability to negotiate global challenges in conjunction with their respective social and economic growth, as well as that of the EU, represents a key classification attribute. In this article, classification is based on an analysis of changes in economic growth, inequality and poverty across all 28 EU member states. The classification emerges from monitoring trends in economic growth and inequality, and their interconnections with poverty across the different countries. In order to analyse these interactions, this investigates uses the Bourguignon model (Poverty-Growth-Inequality Triangle–PGI) and the Growth Incidence Curve. The article reveals that economic growth is connected with a decrease in poverty. However, as inequalities in income increase, poverty also increases. Nevertheless, rates of development differ across countries. Four broad categories of country sharing similar attributes are defined, and an additional, special category assigned to Greece owing to its distinctive attributes. These partial classifications facilitated the complex classification of the EU member states, by which different development tendencies across the countries in the period 2005–2015 might be deciphered. By analysing the relationships between gross domestic product, income distribution and poverty rates, and by developing a system by which to classify countries, essential information regarding individual countries’ economic and social development is revealed, with implications for their distinctive challenges in reducing inequality and poverty. The article also highlights considerable diversity in countries’ relative abilities to handle a range of unfavourable global trends, such as the recent global financial crisis. In general, countries with strong economies are better able to weather challenges such as inequality and poverty during a period of crisis.

Identifying regional poverty types in Slovakia

Abstract: Even today the poverty is an important negative social phenomenon with evident spatial dimension. Areas with high poverty concentration constitute poverty regions with plenty of common but also different or specific characteristics. Research into the specific poverty features in regions lags behind that of the common characteristics and character of poverty. The aim is to show one of ways to carry out typification of poverty regions (on example of Slovakia). A universal conceptual and methodological frame applicable to any country is presented. Regional poverty types were sorted out by application of the hierarchical agglomerative methods of cluster analysis (Ward’s method) with nine indicators capturing the generally applicable dimensions, which determine poverty and profile of poverty regions. Results confirmed the presumption that the different economic, social, demographic, cultural and other different conditions and population structure in regions may determine the character of poverty. Obtained knowledge points not only to the particular population groups, which require attention but also to the regional poverty types that should be identified for the efficient fight against poverty in these regions.

Impact of Key Socio-Economic Disparities on Migration in Slovakia: Economic Diversification vs. Traditional Pattern

Abstract: Impact of Key Socio-Economic Disparities on Migration in Slovakia: Economic Diversification vs. Traditional Pattern

Poverty Risk in Districts of the Slovak Republic

Abstract: Poverty in Eastern European countries and the problems that accompany the social malady have become widely discussed topics. We chose Slovakia as an example of aggregated indicator using, but the criteria can also be applied to other countries. The aim of the article is to point to the distinct spatial concentration of poverty in Slovakia, to capture its differentiated level (depth) conditions, and to identify its main traits and carriers. Another aim is to use of an aggregated indicator. An aggregated indicator, a comparatively new method applied by the Eurostat was used for identification of poverty. Data collected by the Regional Database of the Statistical Office of the SR and of the Centre of Labour, Social Matters and Family (UPSVaR) were used in this study. The obtained results showed that poverty is a serious problem for one-third (24) of all Slovak districts, its level and depth are differentiated and it is clearly concentrated in the eastern and southern parts of the country (these territories comprise the six poorest districts of Slovakia). The accumulated statistics also unveiled the conditions, status, and socio-economic situation of poor districts. It was found that poor districts have many common traits and properties which make it possible to identify the characteristics and carriers of poverty in Slovakia. Identification of poor districts and establishment of the level of poverty yield important information in the search for solutions, compilation of programmes, and measures of social and regional policies, which when implemented, would prevent further increase of poverty in affected regions.

Book Review: OECD, Growing Unequal? Income Distribution and Poverty in OECD Countries:

Abstract: Será que a desigualdade de rendimentos aumentou durante os últimos tempos? Quem ganhou e quem perdeu neste processo? Este processo afectou todos os países da OCDE uniformemente? Em que medida é que maiores desigualdades de rendimentos são a consequência de maiores diferenças nos rendimentos dos trabalhadores e até que ponto são afectados por outros factores? Finalmente, como é que a redistribuição governamental através do sistema de benefícios fiscais afecta estas tendências?