Does unemployment affect the relationship between income inequality and food security?

In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Band 43, Heft 1/2, S. 48-66

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines whether unemployment affects the relationship between income inequality and food security in 143 advanced and developing economies from 2000 to 2019. The authors specifically explore whether unemployment can weaken the negative impact of income inequality on food security.Design/methodology/approachThe authors estimate a new and robust index of food security using a generalized least squares approach. The authors then employ the system generalized method of moments to estimate the model as it allows the authors to control for endogeneity and simultaneity. The authors estimate an interaction term to account for the moderating impact of unemployment.FindingsThe authors consistently find that income inequality has a negative and significant association with food security. However, the results differ between advance and developing economies. The authors find that unemployment rates have a negative relationship with food security in the sample of developing countries, where high levels of unemployment exacerbate the adverse effects of income inequality on food security. This is insignificant for advanced economies.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation lies in the use of aggregated data, which overlooks the issue of food security at the household or individual level.Practical implicationsPolicymakers in developing economies can ensure job security in order to lessen the adverse effects of income inequality on food security.Originality/valueThis study provides new empirical evidence on whether unemployment can potentially moderate and alleviate the impact of income inequality in advanced and developing economies.