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Does Education Reduce Income Inequality? A Meta-Regression Analysis

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  • Abdul Abdullah
  • Hristos Doucouliagos
  • Elizabeth Manning

Abstract

This paper reexamines the effects of education on inequality through a comprehensive meta-regression analysis of the extant empirical literature. We find that education affects the two tails of the distribution of income: Education reduces the income share of top earners and increases the share of the bottom earners. Education has been particularly effective in reducing inequality in Africa. Some of the results suggest that secondary schooling appears to have a stronger effect than primary schooling, though this finding is not always robust. The heterogeneity in reported estimates can be largely explained by differences in the specification of the econometric model and measure of inequality and education.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdul Abdullah & Hristos Doucouliagos & Elizabeth Manning, 2015. "Does Education Reduce Income Inequality? A Meta-Regression Analysis," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(2), pages 301-316, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jecsur:v:29:y:2015:i:2:p:301-316
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/joes.12056
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    References listed on IDEAS

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