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Wealth distribution models with regulations: Dynamics and equilibria

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  • Cardoso, Ben-Hur Francisco
  • Gonçalves, Sebastián
  • Iglesias, José Roberto

Abstract

Simple agent based exchange models are a commonplace in the study of wealth distribution in an artificial economy. Generally, in a system that is composed of many agents characterized by their wealth and risk-aversion factor, two agents are selected sequentially and randomly to exchange wealth, allowing its redistribution. Here we analyze how the effect of social protection policies, which favor agents of lower wealth during the exchange, influences the stability and some relevant economic indicators of the system. On the other hand, we study how periods of interruption of these policies produce, in the short and long term, changes in the system. In all cases, a steady state is reached, but with varying relaxation times. We conclude that regulations may improve economic mobility and reduce inequality. Moreover, our results indicate that the removal of social protection entails a high cost associated with the hysteresis of the distribution of wealth. Economic inequalities increase during the period without social protection and decrease when they are restored. But recovery to the initial equilibrium may take longer than it took to disturb it. In some extreme cases, inequality is irreversible.

Suggested Citation

  • Cardoso, Ben-Hur Francisco & Gonçalves, Sebastián & Iglesias, José Roberto, 2020. "Wealth distribution models with regulations: Dynamics and equilibria," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 551(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:551:y:2020:i:c:s0378437120300406
    DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2020.124201
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Slanina, Frantisek, 2013. "Essentials of Econophysics Modelling," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199299683, Decembrie.
    2. Sen, Amartya, 1997. "On Economic Inequality," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198292975, Decembrie.
    3. Glenn-Marie Lange & Quentin Wodon & Kevin Carey, 2018. "The Changing Wealth of Nations 2018," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 29001, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Istvan Gere & Szabolcs Kelemen & Geza Toth & Tamas Biro & Zoltan Neda, 2021. "Wealth distribution in modern societies: collected data and a master equation approach," Papers 2104.04134, arXiv.org.
    2. Lima, Hugo & Vieira, Allan R. & Anteneodo, Celia, 2022. "Nonlinear redistribution of wealth from a stochastic approach," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    3. Ilda Inácio & José Velhinho, 2022. "Comments on Mathematical Aspects of the Biró–Néda Model," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-10, February.
    4. Neñer, Julian & Laguna, María Fabiana, 2021. "Optimal risk in wealth exchange models: Agent dynamics from a microscopic perspective," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 566(C).
    5. Gere, István & Kelemen, Szabolcs & Tóth, Géza & Biró, Tamás S. & Néda, Zoltán, 2021. "Wealth distribution in modern societies: Collected data and a master equation approach," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 581(C).
    6. Cui, Lijie & Lin, Chuandong, 2021. "A simple and efficient kinetic model for wealth distribution with saving propensity effect: Based on lattice gas automaton," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 561(C).
    7. Francisco Cardoso, Ben-Hur & Gonçalves, Sebastián & Iglesias, José Roberto, 2023. "Why equal opportunities lead to maximum inequality? The wealth condensation paradox generally solved," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).

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