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Inequality, Growth, and the Dynamics of Social Segmentation

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  • HUBERT KEMPF
  • FABIEN MOIZEAU

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the link between the dynamics of society segmentation into communities and the growth process, based on a simple human capital growth model. Using coalition theory, we study the socioeconomic dynamics of an economy over time, characterize it and prove that the economy converges to a steady state partition that may be segmented. Eventually the whole economy tends to a balanced growth path, exhibiting persistent inequality in the case of segmentation. We then provide sufficient conditions on initial inequality and the technology parameters generating local and global externalities for obtaining a segmented society in the long run. On the whole, the relationship between inequality and growth cannot be assessed without taking into consideration the stratification phenomena at work in society over time.

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  • Hubert Kempf & Fabien Moizeau, 2009. "Inequality, Growth, and the Dynamics of Social Segmentation," Journal of Public Economic Theory, Association for Public Economic Theory, vol. 11(4), pages 529-564, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jpbect:v:11:y:2009:i:4:p:529-564
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9779.2009.01420.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Theodore Palivos & Dimitrios Varvarigos, 2009. "Intergenerational Complementarities in Education and the Relationship between Growth and Volatility," Discussion Papers in Economics 09/8, Division of Economics, School of Business, University of Leicester.
    2. Tiago V. V. Cavalcanti & Chryssi Giannitsarou, 2017. "Growth and Human Capital: A Network Approach," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(603), pages 1279-1317, August.
    3. Theodore Palivos & Dimitrios Varvarigos, 2013. "Intergenerational Complementarities in Education, Endogenous Public Policy, and the Relation Between Growth and Volatility," Journal of Public Economic Theory, Association for Public Economic Theory, vol. 15(2), pages 249-272, April.

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