Research Karel Van den Bosch

Abstract

The first aim of this project is to transfer data on reference budgets gathered in several earlier EU-financed projects to the JRC research center in Ispra for use in the ABSPO project (The Measurement of Absolute Poverty in Europe). The second aim is to provide advice to the ABSPO researchers on various aspects of this project..

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand ESFRI. UA provides ESFRI research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Goedemé Tim
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Hercules Foundation. UA provides the Hercules Foundation research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Decancq Koen
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This study assesses whether Belgium's decentralised activation policy in social assistance is effective in guiding social assistance beneficiaries towards sustainable employment. Recently, many states have rescaled their social assistance schemes due to activation. This has given rise to a lively international debate on the optimal distribution of competences between government levels. We aim to contribute substantially to, firstly, the mainly economic and political literature on social federalism, and secondly, the social policy literature on the effectiveness of social activation policies.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Neels Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to gain insight in the mechanisms underlying socio-economic differences in health seeking behavior, with a focus on vaccination behavior. Throughout the work, I integrate theories from different social sciences (sociology, economics, (social) psychology, and administrative sciences). I aim to contribute to the scientific knowledge on both vaccination behavior in general (identifying factors explaining this behavior can offer keys to the understanding of differences in the behavior) and on socio-economic differences in this behavior (where possible I want to directly observe these differences and connect them to underlying mechanisms).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Fellow: Lefevere Eva

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Federal Public Service. UA provides the Federal Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Putting the social investment state to the test. Assessing the impact of Dutch and Belgian policy adjustments on poverty and social inequality. Facing permanent austerity, several European welfare states 'reinvented' themselves as 'social investment states' (Giddens, 1998): shifting in focus from providing 'passive' income protection towards increasing labour market participation and investing in people's skills. This proposal focuses on the relationship between the social investment state and poverty/social inequality. Although several policy documents assume a natural symbiosis between labour market participation and poverty reduction, a few studies suggest that this relationship is far more ambiguous. To answer this question, the effects of Dutch and Belgian social policies are investigated. The Netherlands and Belgium are 'most similar cases': both countries are very similar (small open transit economies), except for their broad policy reorientations. In the Netherlands there was an increased focus on active labour market policies, while Belgian policy adjustments were small and incremental. This project is divided into three distinct phases. First of all, the evolution of poverty and income inequality will be described for a long period of time. Secondly, policy and resource indicators will be used and collected in order to provide an overview of major social policy adjustments. Finally, these indicators will be used to estimate the redistributive effects of social policy, with special focus for so-called 'risk households'.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Fellow: Pintelon Olivier

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Marx Ive

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project contributes to the activities of the Indicator's Sub-Group (ISG) of the European Commission's DG Employment and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The aim is to develop a vade-mecum reflecting the work on indicators in the context of the ISG, both with regard to methodology as the political dimension. The final report will consist of first, a number of horizontal chapters concerning the development and use of social indicators within the context of the European Union's Open Method for Coordination on Social Protection and Social Inclusion; second, fact sheets for every indicator already agreed or under discussion and third; a web application comprising these fact sheets.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to gain insight in the mechanisms underlying socio-economic differences in health seeking behavior, with a focus on vaccination behavior. Throughout the work, I integrate theories from different social sciences (sociology, economics, (social) psychology, and administrative sciences). I aim to contribute to the scientific knowledge on both vaccination behavior in general (identifying factors explaining this behavior can offer keys to the understanding of differences in the behavior) and on socio-economic differences in this behavior (where possible I want to directly observe these differences and connect them to underlying mechanisms).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Van Damme Pierre
• Fellow: Lefevere Eva

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we collect the Share-life data (Wave 3). More information at: http://www.share-project.org/

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Aim of the preparatory phase is to bring the SHARE prototype to the level of financial, legal, governance and technical maturity required to fill important knowledge gaps in individual and population ageing. It involves all stakeholders necessary for the major upgrade, among them research institutes and universities; national science ministries and foundations; two Directorates General of the European Commission; and the US, National Institute on Aging. Most important tangible outcome of this negotiation process will be a memorandum of understanding as the foundation for a sustainable cooperation of the stakeholders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Herdt Tom
• Co-promoter: De Feyter Koen
• Co-promoter: Molenaers Nadia
• Co-promoter: Timmerman Christiane
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Fellow: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vranken Jan
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Fellow: Dewilde Caroline

Research team(s)

• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The OECD publishes on a regular basis international comparisons of poverty and income distribution in the OECD countries. We computed the necessary figures for Belgium on the basis of ECHP (1995 and 2000) and EU-SILC (2005).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verbist Gerlinde
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In a diverse continent like Europe, much can be learned from cross-national research using surveys among households and individuals. Often, however, such comparisons suffer from differences across countries and socio-economic groups in the way people answer survey questions, particularly self-evaluations of, e.g., health or quality of work. This proposal aims at solving this problem by developing widely applicable tools for comparative survey research among European citizens, so-called ancoring vignettes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This programme of activity will improve the comparability, scope and applicability of tools, methods and data for the measurement of income and the analysis of the effects of policies on inequality, poverty and social inclusion. It includes three linked projects on: (a) The distributional effects of non-cash incomes and the implementation of a more comprehensive income definition, (b) The implications of (and methods to account for) errors in targeting social benefits, tax evasion and measurement error in income data, (c) Incorporation of the effects of indirect taxes, along with direct taxes and social benefits, in redistribution analysis. All three projects are designed to improve the degree of comparability of measurement and analysis across countries. Each project will develop methodologies within a cross-national perspective and demonstrate their applicability to a wide range of research questions in diverse scientific fields. The resulting data and method enhancements will be made generally accessible and re-useable by implementing them within EUROMOD the EU tax-benefit model, an existing research infrastructure used for policy analysis and evaluation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verbist Gerlinde
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the 1 st of September 2003, a new law on basic bank services* came into force in Belgium -unprecedented in Europe. This law obliges all banking institutions to offer a basic bank service for a maximum annual fee of 12 Euros, and thus aims to effectively eradicate bank exclusion, and more broadly socio-economic exclusion. But to what extent does the introduction of a legal 'right to a bank account' actually succeed in democratising access and usage of a bank account, and fight financial exclusion and poverty? How can we explain the establishment of this law, and interpret its meaning within the area of tension between on the one hand, increasing liberalization (deregulation) and sharp competition in the banking sector, and on the other, the need for quality and affordable basic service provision for all? Which additional policy measures -identified and tested via carefully designed experiments- are most urgent to effectively realize the potential impacts of the law on basic bank services? Which concrete suggestions does this unique case generate for efforts elsewhere (in particular, the EU and the US) to provide the poor with financial services? And more generally, what are the implications of our research-strategy and -results for the further design and implementation of well thought-out social policy in Belgium as well as abroad?To effectively evaluate the broader impacts of a basic bank service, and more generally, the usage of financial products, special efforts are needed in developing innovative data. Existing databases (namely, the Socio-Economic Panel and the Panel Study of Belgian Households) are inadequate to enhance our understanding of, amongst other things, how individuals conceptualise their decisions over new financial products, to what extent individuals actually make use of existing services, and whether the use of these services really impacts individual and household welfare. Moreover, the poor or low-income households, the central target group of our project, are often underrepresented (due to attrition and selection biases) in those typical databases (De Keulenaar, 2002; Adriaansen, 2003). Hence, the approach we wish to promote and explore combines randomised experiments with survey data of random samples. Our project strives not only to improve our understanding of social situations related to poverty, but also to help shape better policies to fight against poverty. For instance, the unravelling of how certain population segments in our society analyse and undertake every day consumption decisions should allow policymakers and professionals to more effectively reach and assist these groups. Also, feedback from a randomised encouragement experiment should allow development planners, among other things, to perfect the product (basic bank service) and to develop a targeted, effective marketing or promotion strategy for launching it to a wider audience.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe: Integrating Activities to Access the Time Dimension and to Enlarge the Cross-national Dimension. (SHARE-I3)

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Equalsoc is a network of excellence funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme. The network consists of 13 European research centres which the Commission deems to have attained exceptional level of academic expertise in the field of social inequality and cohesion. The network intends to encourage comparative research in such areas as employment and the labour market, income distribution and mobility, education and social mobility, the family and social networks, cultural differentiation and social capital.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve
• Co-promoter: Ghysels Joris
• Co-promoter: Marx Ive
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The most important societal issues with which Flanders and Europe will be confronted in coming decades is the twofold ageing of the population. The three principal policy issues that arise in this context are: i) the manner in which the burden of population ageing should/can be distributed between and within generations; ii) the development of high-quality and affordable care support for all; iii) and the enhancement of participation by the elderly in economic, social, political and cultural life in order that the capital of experience, knowledge and skills that the elderly represent could be utilised maximally. As far as the Flemish policy level is concerned, all aspects of these problematic areas are relevant: policy on formal and informal care for the elderly, including the Flemish care insurance scheme, employment policy, tax policy, housing policy, sociocultural and educational policy and, as a context for all policy domains, the structure of income and expenditure distribution and particularly the position occupied by the weaker groups (who may be targets of specific provisions). Some important research has already been conducted into the socio-economic aspects of population ageing in Flanders, but often this research is insufficiently prospective and informative for policy purposes. Moreover, usually a European angle is lacking, even though Flemish policy can obviously draw lessons from developments in other European countries. We therefore propose to construct an interdisciplinary knowledge platform with a view to: -bringing together available expertise in Flanders in the field of policy-oriented research into the issue of population ageing; -collecting high-quality data for Flanders that allow comparison with other regions and countries in Europe; -developing research instruments and methods to analyse these data in dynamic perspective and to test policy alternatives for their economic and social efficiency.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project deals with the question of what is the most optimal level at which to organise social redistribution through social security and taxation, in Belgium, in other federal States and in Europe. This issue will be approached empirically, by studying the functioning, the determinants and the outcomes (in terms of social adequacy) of social redistribution between territorial entities. From a distributional perspective, we shall try to determine the optimum level at which to organise income redistribution and explore possibilities for allowing separate redistributive entities to work together.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve
• Co-promoter: Marx Ive
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this pilot-action-research project 50 families on low income will be followed during half a year, with the aim of obtaining extensive and thorough data on their resources and coping strategies. In this way, quantitatively oriented research on large samples will be linked to small-scale qualitative studies of low-income families. In addition, the true extent of non-take-up of social benefits will be assessed.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

RVA panel: the composition of a panel database for longitudinal research on behalf of the federal employment agency.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve
• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Smet Mike

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main motivation for this project is that less is known about the links between welfare state arrangements and outcomes than about each separately. Outcomes are always determined by the whole policy package of which a particular arrangement is a part. Depending on the context in terms of other arrangements and the socio-economics situation, similar arrangements may well lead to very different outcomes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project involves a pilot-survey with 60 households of elderly persons (50+) in Flanders, in preparation for participation in the SHARE project in 2004. SHARE (Survey on Health, Age and Retirement in Europe) is a European multi-disciplinary research consortium, with the aim of creating a panel data set about persons of 50+ years, with data on income, health, social networks, among other aspects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Verbist Gerlinde

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The policy background to the present proposal concern over equity in the fields of health and health care. This project aims to address the pertinent questions regarding the causal mechanisms underlying the systematic associations between health and income. It will mainly rely on theoretical advances in the health economics literature to guide the empirical analysis and take advantage of the availability panel date to test and estimate these relationships.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: De Graeve Diana
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project sets out to explore the problematic nature of income inequality in contemporary post-industrial society. The key question is how today absolute and relative income position are related to social segmentation. More specifically it is our goal to find out in how far income and income inequality determine other aspects of social inequality. The impact of income and income distribution on various social areas seem less straightforward than it used to be. On the one hand there are indication that the former determining character of incomes has diminished while on the other hand the relative income position is still a crucial factor in explaining social inequalities. The research project will consist of two part. First, the international literature on the link between income inequality and other social inequalities will be summarised and analysed. Second, we plan to do empirical research for Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Pelleriaux Koen

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Belgian Federal government decided to organise a last census in 2001 (the Social Economic Survey). This project looks at the possibilities to update the 2001 census data on level of education with data from the Flemish government.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Pelleriaux Koen
• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Goossens Luc
• Co-promoter: Mortelmans Dimitri
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project we investigate the relationship between transport use and socio-economic inequality. The existing databases (a.o. PSBH, Census) will be examined in order to draw up a socio-economic profile of transport users. By means of the microsimulation model MISIM we intend to measure the consequences of policy measures on income distribution and poverty. Attention will be focused on the effect of policy alternatives to encourage the use of public transport and to discourage the use of cars.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel
• Co-promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: De Lathouwer Lieve

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On a national as well as on an international level different methods of income measurement are applied in socio-economic surveys. However, little research has been done concerning the reliability of the reported income and concering the effect of the reference period (year, month) and the concrete operationalisation on the quality of reported income and on the levels of income distribution and financial poverty. Yet, Belgian data seem to indicate that a substantial effect may exist. Recently, data became available for Belgium (CSP-Panel and Panel Study on Belgian Households 1993 and 1994) which allow for an inquiry into these effects. These data are unique as they contain results of different methods of income measurement on the same respondents, allowing a direct measurement of the effects. The project will contain an inventory of existing research. Furthermore, the theoretical-conceptual level of income measurement will be elaborated. The main focus of the research will be on empirical evaluation of different methods of income measurement. It is the aim of the research tot contribute to the improvement of the quality and (internationa) comparability of income surveys.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Non-monetary indicators of poverty (NMP) are based on the non-possession of certain goods and conveniences, or on the non-participation in certain activities. The objectives of the study were: 1-to compile a list of studies using NMP, and to summarize the approaches adopted in these studies and the conclusions reached; 2-to provide a list of surveys containing NMP, and to give technical details about these.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van den Bosch Karel

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project