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Corruption and Competition in the Presence of Inequality and Market Imperfections

Author

Listed:
  • Indranil Dutta

    (University of Sheffield & University of East Anglia)

  • Ajit Mishra

    (University of Dundee)

Abstract

We analyze the relation between corruption, competition and inequality in a developing economy context where markets are imperfect and there is wealth inequality. We consider an economy where different types of households (efficient and inefficient) choose whether to enter the production sector or not. Due to information asymmetry and wealth inequality, the market fails to screen out the inefficient types. In addition to the imperfect screening in the credit market, the inefficient type's entry is further facilitated by corruption in the product market. We analyze the market equilibrium and look at some of the implications. We show that a rise in inequality can lead to an increase in corruption along with greater competition. By endogenising the types, we also show how in the presence of corruption, initial wealth inequality will distort the incentives of the poor and lead to trap-like situations.

Suggested Citation

  • Indranil Dutta & Ajit Mishra, 2004. "Corruption and Competition in the Presence of Inequality and Market Imperfections," Working papers 123, Centre for Development Economics, Delhi School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:cde:cdewps:123
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexeev, Michael & Song, Yunah, 2013. "Corruption and product market competition: An empirical investigation," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 154-166.
    2. Ajit Mishra, 2004. "Corruption: A Review," Dundee Discussion Papers in Economics 170, Economic Studies, University of Dundee.
    3. Andrzej Bolesta, 2007. "China As A Developmental State," Montenegrin Journal of Economics, Economic Laboratory for Transition Research (ELIT), vol. 3(5), pages 105-111.
    4. Diaby, Aboubacar & Sylwester, Kevin, 2015. "Corruption and Market Competition: Evidence from Post-Communist Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 487-499.
    5. repec:eut:journl:v:11:y:2006:i:3:p:59 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Mishra, Ajit, 2006. "Persistence of corruption: some theoretical perspectives," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 349-358, February.
    7. Ajit Mishra, 2004. "Incentives, Norms and the Persistence of Corruption," Dundee Discussion Papers in Economics 161, Economic Studies, University of Dundee.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corruption; Competition; Credit Market; Inequality; Screening.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • R20 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - General

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