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Income distribution in Warsaw in the 1830s

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  • Marcin Wroński

Abstract

In this paper, I estimate income inequality in Warsaw in the early XIX century, using the 1833 tax census as the data source. I compare the income of Jews and Christians and investigate the spatial dimension of income inequality in the city. In 1833, income inequality in Warsaw was very high by modern standards and medium by contemporary standards. The Gini index stood at 0.59, and the share of the top 1% was 19%. The inequality extraction ratio was 76%. The mean income of Jews was significantly higher than the mean income of Christians. Mean income varied strongly across districts of the city.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcin Wroński, 2023. "Income distribution in Warsaw in the 1830s," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 27(4), pages 581-605.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ereveh:v:27:y:2023:i:4:p:581-605.
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