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Hohe und weiter steigende Ungleichheit in den USA – politisch nicht gewollt und doch geduldet?

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  • Sell Friedrich L.
  • Stiefl Jürgen

Abstract

Looking at both the Gini coefficients ex-ante as well as at the Gini coefficients ex-post reveals that the distribution of personal incomes has become more unequal in the USA in the periods between 1947 and 2020. This paper investigates the possible underlying concepts of income distribution targets and argues, based on empirical findings, that neither clear electoral/partisan cycles nor station-arity (equilibrium) in the figures of income distribution of the USA can be detected. Instead, one observes an unbroken cyclical upward trend in inequality, which contributes significantly to the fission in the US society and economy. Surprisingly, as measured by the results produced by US presidents on the national level since 1947, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party have made similar contributions to lowering the inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Sell Friedrich L. & Stiefl Jürgen, 2024. "Hohe und weiter steigende Ungleichheit in den USA – politisch nicht gewollt und doch geduldet?," Wirtschaftsdienst, Sciendo, vol. 104(6), pages 420-426.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:wirtsc:v:104:y:2024:i:6:p:420-426:n:1015
    DOI: 10.2478/wd-2024-0109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hibbs, Douglas A., 1977. "Political Parties and Macroeconomic Policy," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 71(4), pages 1467-1487, December.
    2. Barro, Robert J, 2000. "Inequality and Growth in a Panel of Countries," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 5-32, March.
    3. William D. Nordhaus, 1975. "The Political Business Cycle," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 42(2), pages 169-190.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • N32 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O51 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - U.S.; Canada

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