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Cross – country dynamics in income inequality: Where do we stand?

Author

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  • Thi Hong Hanh Pham

    (LEMNA, Nantes University)

Abstract

The present paper explores the cross-country dynamics in income inequality using the WID dataset over the period 1980 – 2022. Employing the Markov chain transition matrix and a set of mobility indices, we find evidence of a very weak transition of countries among different states of income inequality. Furthermore, many countries have been caught in a low-equality trap and escaping from this trap is a low probability proposition. Lastly, the convergence towards the same state of income equality has been still an unachieved goal ever short – or long-runs.

Suggested Citation

  • Thi Hong Hanh Pham, 2024. "Cross – country dynamics in income inequality: Where do we stand?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 44(4), pages 1378-1389.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-24-00282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Income inequality; Markov chain transition matrix;

    JEL classification:

    • D3 - Microeconomics - - Distribution
    • O1 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development

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