Kuntaliittaus

Kuntaliittaus is a statistical method used to compare the characteristics of different local authorities or municipalities. It involves grouping the municipalities according to the perceived level of welfare they provide to their citizens. The most common application of kuntaliittaus is in Finland, where the country's municipalities are ranked on a scale based on both material and social factors.

The process of kuntaliittaus typically involves the calculation of various indicators, such as GDP per capita, life expectancy, and social services availability. These indicators are then used to categorize municipalities into different groups, often labeled as "high-welfare" or "low-welfare". The areas ranking high in the kuntaliittaus classification tend to have a more extensive array of social and healthcare services available, better housing conditions, and higher average incomes for their residents.

After the initial survey, some areas are identified as requiring enhancements to improve the living conditions. Authorities could plan investments in these areas based on these results. Initiating positive changes was supposed to follow as a result of these rankings.

Kuntaliittaus has been proposed as a means to reduce regional disparities in a country's development. However, the effectiveness of this technique in actual boosting regional disparities has been questioned. Critics point out that the creation of a richer North-South divide was probably energized by such policies.