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The changing distribution of earnings in Ireland, 1937 to 1968

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  • ANTHONY B. ATKINSON
  • BRIAN NOLAN

Abstract

Data from the Irish Census of Industrial Production are used to illuminate changes in the distribution of earnings from 1937 to 1968, an important period in Irish economic history, relevant to debates about globalization and inequality. Between the late 1930s and mid‐1950s there was a greater compression of earnings than in the US's ‘great compression’ of the same period. Sectoral data suggest that this occurred quite generally. The degree of integration with the British labour market is key, and the impact of out‐migration, wage controls during the Second World War, and industrial protection all merit in‐depth investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony B. Atkinson & Brian Nolan, 2010. "The changing distribution of earnings in Ireland, 1937 to 1968," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 63(2), pages 479-499, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:63:y:2010:i:2:p:479-499
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0289.2009.00498.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Claudia Goldin & Robert A. Margo, 1992. "The Great Compression: The Wage Structure in the United States at Mid-Century," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 107(1), pages 1-34.
    2. A. B. Atkinson, 2007. "The Long Run Earnings Distribution In Five Countries: “Remarkable Stability,” U, V Or W?," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 53(1), pages 1-24, March.
    3. Atkinson, A B, 2008. "The Changing Distribution of Earnings in OECD Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199532438.
    4. Hatton, Timothy J. & Williamson, Jeffrey G., 1998. "The Age of Mass Migration: Causes and Economic Impact," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195116519.
    5. Kaim-Caudle, P. R., 1964. "Social Security in Ireland and Western Europe," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number GRS20.
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