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Inequality and the middle‐income trap

Author

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  • Xiaoshan Hu
  • Guanghua Wan
  • Chen Yang
  • Anqi Zhang

Abstract

This paper proposes an indicator measuring the likelihood for an economy to escape the middle income trap (MIT) and then estimates the impact of income inequality on this indicator using 1960‐2019 cross‐country data. Major findings include the following: (1) The likelihood of escaping MIT is relatively large for Asia, followed by Europe, Africa, North America and South America. (2) Inequality is negatively and significantly correlated with the MIT indicator, particularly in freer, high‐income and MIT country groups. (3) Regarding the mechanisms, domestic investment, human capital accumulation and trade openness contribute positively to this indicator, while ageing does the opposite.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoshan Hu & Guanghua Wan & Chen Yang & Anqi Zhang, 2023. "Inequality and the middle‐income trap," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(7), pages 1684-1710, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:35:y:2023:i:7:p:1684-1710
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3747
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