DEVELOPMENT OF THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF CZECHS AND SLOVAKS IN THE TERRITORY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC IN THE YEARS 1989–2024

This thesis analyzes the development of the standard of living of the population in the Czech and Slovak Republics between 1989 and 2024. The primary objective of the research is to evaluate the impacts of institutional changes and macroeconomic shocks on the material conditions of households in both countries. The methodological framework relies on comparative analysis and time series analysis, utilizing GDP per capita in purchasing power parity, the poverty rate, the household savings rate, Gini coefficient and net earnings as key indicators. The findings confirm the first formulated hypothesis, while the second hypothesis is rejected. Living standards in both countries show a long-term upward trend. The Czech Republic maintains a higher absolute level of a number of monitored indicators and shows greater stability, while Slovakia achieved a higher relative convergence dynamic in the monitored period. Although the differing economic structures and specificities of economic policies are reflected in savings accumulation and wage dynamics, the expected degree of divergence is not proven. The added value of the thesis lies in the comprehensive linkage of microeconomic impacts on households with macroeconomic indicators. The research maps empirical development and identifies the key factors influencing material conditions in both states. The results provide valuable insights into how structural differences and economic policies determine the current standard of living, enriching the existing knowledge with up-to-date empirical data up to 2024.