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Fiscal Adjustment and Income Inequality: Sub-national Evidence from Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • João Pedro Azevedo
  • Mr. Antonio David
  • Mr. Fabiano Rodrigues Rodrigues Bastos
  • Emilio Pineda

Abstract

We combine state-level fiscal data with household survey data to assess the links between sub-national fiscal policy and income inequality in Brazil over the period 1995-2011. The results indicate that a tighter fiscal stance at the sub-national level is not associated with a deterioration in inequality measures. This finding contrasts with the conclusions of several papers in the burgeoning literature on the effects of fiscal consolidation on inequality using national data for OECD economies. In addition, we find that a tighter stance is typically positively associated with a measure of “shared prosperity”. Hence, our results caution against extrapolating policy implications of the literature focusing on advanced economies to other settings.

Suggested Citation

  • João Pedro Azevedo & Mr. Antonio David & Mr. Fabiano Rodrigues Rodrigues Bastos & Emilio Pineda, 2014. "Fiscal Adjustment and Income Inequality: Sub-national Evidence from Brazil," IMF Working Papers 2014/085, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2014/085
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    2. Chen Chun-Yuan, 2016. "D&O Insurance, Corporate Governance and Mandatory Disclosure: An Empirical Legal Study of Taiwan," Asian Journal of Law and Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 7(1), pages 19-62, April.

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