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An Inquiry into the Causes of Increasing Regional Income Inequality in The United States

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  • Orley M. Amos, Jr.

    (Oklahoma State University)

Abstract

This paper explores alternative theoretical explanations of empirical evidence of increasing regional income inequality in the United States since the mid-1970s. Analysis indicates that conventional regional growth theories, including the neoclassical, export base, cumulative causation, and growth pole theories, explain increasing regional inequality by resorting to exogenous forces. Although each of the theories contains key relationships that provide a partial explanation of unbalanced growth and regional inequality, none of them is complete. The theory of long waves, long used in the study of economic cycles, then is examined. Key relationships contained in each of the regional growth theories are synthesized with the long wave explanation to generate a more complete theory of unbalanced regional growth and an endogenous explanation of increasing regional inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Orley M. Amos, Jr., 1989. "An Inquiry into the Causes of Increasing Regional Income Inequality in The United States," The Review of Regional Studies, Southern Regional Science Association, vol. 19(2), pages 1-12, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:rre:publsh:v19:y:1989:i:2:p:1-12
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    Cited by:

    1. Sergio Rey & Brett Montouri, 1999. "US Regional Income Convergence: A Spatial Econometric Perspective," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(2), pages 143-156.
    2. Lindert, Peter H., 2000. "Three centuries of inequality in Britain and America," Handbook of Income Distribution, in: A.B. Atkinson & F. Bourguignon (ed.), Handbook of Income Distribution, edition 1, volume 1, chapter 3, pages 167-216, Elsevier.
    3. Wan, Jun & Baylis, Kathy & Mulder, Peter, 2015. "Trade-facilitated technology spillovers in energy productivity convergence processes across EU countries," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 253-264.
    4. Steven C. Deller & Martin Shields & David Tomberlin, 1996. "Price Differentials And Trends In State Income Levels: A Research Note," The Review of Regional Studies, Southern Regional Science Association, vol. 26(1), pages 99-113, Summer.
    5. Elias G. Carayannis & Rajiv Mallick, 1996. "Regional Income Disparities In Canada: Implications For Theories Of Regional Convergence," The Review of Regional Studies, Southern Regional Science Association, vol. 26(1), pages 55-74, Summer.
    6. William Levernier & Dan S. Rickman & Mark D. Partridge, 1995. "Variation in U.S. State Income Inequality: 1960-1990," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 18(3), pages 355-378, July.
    7. Ward, William A. & Hite, James C., 1999. "Asset Fixity, Asset Specificity And Regional Economic Change: Hypothesis And Implications," Working Papers 18807, Clemson University, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

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