Assessing urban-rural inequality based on European Social Survey (ESS)

This paper examines the urban–rural inequality across European countries using data from the European Social Survey (ESS). Urban–rural disparities manifest across socioeconomic, well-being, and attitudinal domains and have significant implications for social policy and territorial cohesion. Using cross-national comparative ESS data, this study analyzes empirical patterns in subjective well-being, socio-economic conditions, and social perceptions to highlight persistent spatial inequalities. Findings suggest that rural areas continue to lag behind urban counterparts in multiple dimensions, though the magnitude and direction of disparities vary across regions and outcome variables. Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted policy interventions that aim to strengthen social inclusion and reduce territorial inequalitiesc.