Public Social Spending as a % of GDP, OECD
| Quick info | |
|---|---|
| Data type | Numeric |
| Scale | Metric |
| Value labels | Not applicable |
| Technical name | socx_public_oecd |
| Category | Economic and financial factors |
| Label | Social Spending (% of GDP, OECD) |
| Related indicators | socx_private_oecd |
This is one of the most widely used measures of 'social policy' in the welfare state literature. Despite problems (see Green-Pedersen 2004) it captures a societies overall commitment to social welfare.
Coding rules
Social expenditure comprises cash benefits, direct in-kind provision of goods and services, and tax breaks with social purposes. Benefits may be targeted at low-income households, the elderly, disabled, sick, unemployed, or young persons. To be considered "social", programmes have to involve either redistribution of resources across households or compulsory participation. Social benefits are classified as public when general government (that is central, state, and local governments, including social security funds) controls the relevant financial flows. All social benefits not provided by general government are considered private. Private transfers between households are not considered as "social" and not included here. Net total social expenditure includes both public and private expenditure. It also accounts for the effect of the tax system by direct and indirect taxation and by tax breaks for social purposes. This indicator is measured as a percentage of GDP or USD per capita.
Bibliographic info
Citation: OECD (2020). "Social Spending as a % of GDP". OECD Social Expenditures Database https://data.oecd.org/socialexp/social-spending.htm. Accessed 29-Jun-2020.
Related publications: tbd
Misc
Project manager(s): tbd
- Version 0.001: Initial release
Revisions: No revisions yet
Sources
OECD Social Expenditures Database https://data.oecd.org/socialexp/social-spending.htm.
