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Income inequality in Brazil: What has changed in recent years?

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  • Ferreira de Mendonça, Helder
  • Martins Esteves, Diogo

Abstract

This paper provides empirical evidence to assess the impact of socioeconomic and political variables on different measures of income inequality based on the 27 units of the Brazilian federation in the period from 1999 to 2008. The Brazilian experience is a good example for understanding the income inequality policies in developing countries. The findings suggest that the improvement observed along the period under analysis is a result of the combination of increased trade openness, technological and financial development, a reduction in the unemployment rate, the adoption of social policies that imply a direct effect on the poorest families and the adoption of mechanisms against corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferreira de Mendonça, Helder & Martins Esteves, Diogo, 2014. "Income inequality in Brazil: What has changed in recent years?," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), April.
  • Handle: RePEc:ecr:col070:37023
    Note: Includes bibliography.
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    2. Paulo Mourao & Alexandre Junqueira, 2021. "Through the Irregular Paths of Inequality: An Analysis of the Evolution of Socioeconomic Inequality in Brazilian States Since 1976," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-17, February.

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