Cohort: SOMET 42

Topic of the thesis: Inequality in consumption in Europe: social stratification across social class and housing tenure 

Abstract: My research project investigates consumption inequalities across Europe, focusing on the role of social class and housing tenure. Consumption is understood as having a dual dimension. On the one hand, it reflects the satisfaction of needs and the material well-being households are able to achieve. On the other hand, it has a symbolic value linked to social recognition and distinction. The project focuses on three dimensions of household expenditure: overall expenditure levels, the composition of expenditure, and the distribution of spending across key consumption categories, including food, housing, health, transport, and residual expenditure. The central question is whether households in different class positions and housing conditions display distinct expenditure patterns even at comparable income levels, and whether social class and housing tenure interact in producing cumulative or differentiated inequalities. It also examines whether these relationships vary according to age, household composition, and labour market participation. The empirical strategy relies on Household Budget Survey microdata for European countries across four waves (2010, 2015, 2020, 2025), enabling both cross-national comparison and a longitudinal perspective based on repeated cross-sectional data. The project contributes to the literature by providing a systematic comparative analysis of class and housing tenure as joint drivers of consumption inequality in Europe.

Research interests: Social and economic inequalities; Social stratification; Poverty; Consumption; Housing

Graduated from: University of Turin - Collegio Carlo Alberto

Degrees obtained: BA in International, Development and Cooperation Sciences; MA in  Government Sciences

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