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Is there a Kuznets Curve in the Arab Region? An Empirical Investigation

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  • Sayed Adham

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology, School of Economics, Wuhan, China)

Abstract

This paper presents an empirical study of the Kuznets curve in Arab countries using a dataset from 12 Arab countries over the period between 1990 and 2015. The analysis is carried out by employing a panel data method, mainly the fixed-effect and interactive fixed-effect models, which take into account the economic integration of countries, and the frequent political, financial and social shocks. Our results show that the Kuznets curve does not characterize economic development in the Arab region and that trade, urbanization and education positively impact income inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Sayed Adham, 2020. "Is there a Kuznets Curve in the Arab Region? An Empirical Investigation," Review of Middle East Economics and Finance, De Gruyter, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:rmeecf:v:16:y:2020:i:2:p:17:n:2
    DOI: 10.1515/rmeef-2020-0001
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Arab world; economic growth; income inequality; Kuznets curve; factor model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • N35 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Asia including Middle East

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