Health, financial means and cultural participation in Flanders: dissecting complex interaction patterns for nine forms of cultural participation
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This article delves into the relationship between socio-economic status, health, and cultural participation, underscoring the disparities in access to cultural activities. It builds upon existing research to explore how health – alongside socio-economic differences – serves as a factor influencing disparities in cultural participation. The study relies on data from the latest Participation Survey in Flanders (N = 510), examining the association between socio-economic status and health on one side, and participation in nine diverse forms of cultural activities on the other. We find that both socio-economic status and health significantly affect cultural engagement, with individuals with weaker socio-economic backgrounds or those with health issues participating less frequently. The analysis further identifies an interesting moderating pattern, suggesting that health issues particularly deter individuals in weaker socio-economic positions, thus exacerbating the barriers to cultural participation. This finding highlights the need for policies that address multiple barriers simultaneously to enhance cultural accessibility and inclusivity.
Authors: J. Verhoeven, B. Spruyt, J. Siongers
Institutions: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University
Language: English
Topic: Social and Cultural Dynamics
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Vlaamse regering
OpenAlex ID: W4405762093