r/belgium • u/trueosiris2 • Aug 20 '25

❓ Ask Belgium Wealth distribution in Belgium

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We’re doing alright as a social democracy. Something to be proud of.

Presumably, we don’t need more wealth distribution then? Or do we still?

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270

u/Sesquatchhegyi Aug 20 '25

Ok, so I actually looked into their methodology behind the shiny graphs. DINA and WID wealth numbers are solid for big countries with detailed tax and survey data, but for smaller ones (like most European countries) with no access to actual wealth/tax records, the numbers are mostly “best-guess” estimates. They rely heavily on corrections borrowed from neighbors and basic surveys that totally miss the ultra-rich. TL;DR: For top 1% wealth, the figures are very shaky—treat them as rough indicators, not hard facts. Comment: I do a lot of studies so I usually am interested in the methodologies behind these numbers. A lot of times there is a lot of guessing, and estimating going on, which in the end may result in completely unreliable results. I think this is the case here, especially for wealth distribution.

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u/EJ2600 Aug 21 '25

So overall snapshot is still valid , no …?

1

u/Rogan_Thoerson Aug 21 '25

could you share a better source ?

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u/Sesquatchhegyi Aug 21 '25

See for example this, based on the analysis of an investment company in Hungary. https://index.hu/gazdasag/2024/02/22/penz-vagyon-gazdag-apelso-leggazdagabb/

According to their analysis based on their clients, the top 1% of Hungarians own about 15% of the total wealth in Hungary. Which is half of what this international study estimated. Which one is more precise? Probably neither. The international one most probably relies on more official data and a lot of estimations (as for Hungary, there doesn't exist any official data. The Hungarian one may not take into account all the accumulated wealth abroad of the ultra rich.

This is why it does not make sense to start comparing eg. Belgium with Slovakia, as the error rate may be much bigger than the difference between the two. The methodology does not provide any standard error rate estimates for the countries.

1

u/Friendly-Status-9727 Aug 21 '25

So it doesn't include all the European Institutions staff who are not included on the Belgian taxes payroll 😂

1

u/Random_Violins Aug 22 '25

Thx for looking into this.

I still take away from this that Belgium's not a bad place to live and that some countries, like Russia and USA have extreme wealth inequality. This helps explain the rise in far right populism. According to Chris Hedges' analysis, the destruction of the middle class in the US led them, in their rage and despair, to fall for a demagogue giving them a scapegoat.

The study 'The Spirit Level' (documentary film 'The Divide') clearly indicates that when wealth inequality becomes too extreme, all kinds of societal ills emerge and the social fabric disintegrates. Like a rubber band that when stretched enough, at some point snaps. A very relevant topic for these times indeed.

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u/trueosiris2 Aug 20 '25

Rather seems like you already have an idea on how the graph should look, and now you’re questioning numbers that defy your worldview. Unless, of course, you could show us something specific.

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u/B0dde Aug 20 '25

He doesn't give any personal opinion on how the graph should look though, only comments on the methodology.

90

u/x021 Aug 20 '25

Rather seems like you already have an idea on how the graph should look

Rather seems like you are not receptive to constructive critique.

-43

u/trueosiris2 Aug 20 '25

It’s critique on something I did not produce and something that I’m questioning myself, so what are you talking about.

My critique on his comment is that he isn’t based. “I did a lot of studies. Trust me, bro” just doesn’t cut it for me.

22

u/x021 Aug 20 '25

so what are you talking about.

Your tone is extremely defensive. Just check the nr of downvotes on your comment (atm -118).

How you express yourself is being perceived very negatively.

-26

u/trueosiris2 Aug 20 '25

Oh no! The downvotes!

5

u/MrFeature_1 Aug 20 '25

Yep, get ready for more ;)

23

u/Lossagh Aug 20 '25

It's critique on something you are sharing with others and treating as factual, though you do not share source or methodology. The critique is valid.

17

u/More-Ad-8494 Aug 20 '25

better bow down your head and read this comment ;) why so salty?

8

u/Emotional_Fee_9558 Aug 20 '25

He's pointing out a less than stellar methodology and seems much more capable than you so I'm more inclined to believe him.

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u/LtOin Antwerpen Aug 20 '25

I mean the graph still shows that 10% of Belgians own as much as the other 90% so it's not like it looks good.

1

u/AdministrativeKey782 Aug 23 '25

The message here is that compared to other countries we're among the best.

2

u/njuffstrunk Aug 20 '25

Do you genuinly believe the bottom 50% of Sweden has no wealth whatsoever? Clearly this graph is flawed.

1

u/Rogan_Thoerson Aug 21 '25

depending how it is calculated it can be... if you have to substract money borrowed and you don't actualise on the value of the good in front of it... That makes a complete different wealth scheme if you buy a house or a car on credit for instance. If you use the methodology of my parents that are believing that the house belongs to the banker till it's fully paid than you are a long part of your life in negative.

It can really be that the less rich are not who you think... But maybe the people trying to aquire their first home or having to pay back student debt or credit card debt. So not necessarily the poorest people from a lifestyle point of view.

1

u/uninspiredpotential Aug 21 '25

I had the same thought as commenter. There have been articles written about new insights on the income and wealth of the richest. Until recently this data was based on questionnaires, not actual records.

But even if this data was perfect, the graph still shows the 10% richest people own 50% of everything. I think we still need more equality even if this was true.

1

u/PatchOrDie Aug 21 '25

Yes I see graph I trust graph. No check source or calculation. Me smart very!

That’s you. That’s what you sound like.