Mortality inequalities have become a prevalent public health issue within society as industrialised countries have experienced almost consistent longevity improvements in the past few centuries. The lengths of life for different individuals, measured by life expectancy, as well as the uncertainty of death, measured by lifespan variation for each individual affect the distribution of inequalities in mortality. These inequalities prevent the disadvantaged individuals from enjoying more wonders this world can offer, compared to the ones that are less affected. Tremendous progress has been made in the exploration, investigation, and evaluation of mortality inequalities on the national level. However, explorations on the heterogeneous mortality under the national “umbrella”, i.e. the national average, are needed to assess this current trend and its implication on the mortality prospects of future generations. Meanwhile, methods that can bridge between the observations made on the national level and the individual mortality experiences summarised are urgently needed.

This dissertation aims to explore and quantify the relation between the mortality changes at the national level and the mortality experiences of its sub-populations and individuals. In order to answer this research question, this dissertation proposes novel decomposition methods in mathematical demography. The theoretical contribution of this dissertation is to further the understanding of the mathematical link between micro and macro levels of mortality.

Wen Su is a demographer with an interest in formal demographic methods. Currently pursuing a PhD at the Australian National University's School of Demography, he holds a Master of Arts in Demography from the same institution with commendation. Wen has also contributed as a Research Assistant within the School of Demography and as a Casual Sessional Academic, instructing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in demographic methods. Wen is also a senior research officer within the Centre for Indigenous Policy Research, providing quantitative support to various projects. His passion lies in harnessing mathematics, statistics, and demography to illuminate the well-being of sub-populations around the world and improve their living conditions.

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