Regresszívak

Regresszívak is a Hungarian term that translates to "regressive" in English. It is primarily used in economic and social contexts to describe policies or taxes that disproportionately affect lower-income individuals compared to higher-income individuals. In a regressive system, the tax rate or the burden of a policy decreases as the ability to pay increases.

A common example of a regressive tax is a sales tax. When a fixed percentage is applied to all goods and services, lower-income households, who spend a larger portion of their income on essential goods, end up paying a proportionally higher amount of their income in sales tax than higher-income households. Conversely, progressive taxes, such as income tax systems with graduated rates, require higher earners to pay a larger percentage of their income in taxes.

The concept of regresszívak can also extend beyond taxation to other areas. For instance, certain government regulations or the distribution of public services might inadvertently have a regressive impact if they burden those with fewer resources more heavily or provide less benefit to them. Discussions around regressive policies often center on issues of fairness, economic inequality, and social equity, with policymakers aiming to design systems that are more progressive or at least neutral in their impact across different income brackets. The term highlights a potential unintended consequence of certain economic mechanisms that can exacerbate disparities.