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Determinants of inequality in transition countries

Author

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  • Michal Brzezinski

    (University of Warsaw, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Salach

    (University of Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

High levels of economic inequality may lead to lower economic growth and can have negative social and political impacts. Recent empirical research shows that income and wealth inequalities in Eastern Europe since the fall of socialism increased significantly more than previously suggested. Currently, the average Gini index (a common measure) of inequality in Eastern Europe is about 3 percentage points higher than in the rest of Europe. This rise in inequality was initially driven by privatization, liberalization, and deregulation reforms, and, more recently, has been amplified by technological change and globalization coupled with relatively ungenerous income and wealth redistribution policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Brzezinski & Katarzyna Salach, 2022. "Determinants of inequality in transition countries," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 496-496, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izawol:journl:2022:n:496
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Monika Anna Wesołowska, 2024. "Nierówności dochodowe w krajach postsocjalistycznych – analiza wybranych determinant," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 1, pages 73-90.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inequality; income distribution; wealth distribution; redistribution; post-socialist countries; Eastern Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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