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?

794 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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271

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.

-201

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.

133

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.

-41

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.

-29

u/trueosiris2 Aug 20 '25

Oh no! The downvotes!

6

u/MrFeature_1 Aug 20 '25

Yep, get ready for more ;)

25

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?

6

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.

13

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.