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Completing the Bathtub?: The Development of Top Incomes in Germany, 1907-2007

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  • Christina Anselmann
  • Hagen M. Krämer

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of top incomes in Germany from 1907-2007 with a special focus on past decades. A more detailed analysis of German top incomes is conducted, beginning with a review of selected income distribution measures which indicate that high incomes have played a significant role for income divergence in recent years. Based on newdata it is shown that top income shares have indeed increased substantially in the recent past, a process which is mainly due to a relative rise in employment rather than capital income within the top income groups. Finally, some theories explaining high incomes of the "working rich" are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Anselmann & Hagen M. Krämer, 2012. "Completing the Bathtub?: The Development of Top Incomes in Germany, 1907-2007," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 451, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
    • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwsop:diw_sp451
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    Cited by:

    1. Christina Anselmann & Hagen M. Kr�mer, 2015. "Income inequality and top incomes: some recent empirical developments with a focus on Germany," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(6), pages 770-786, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Top income shares; income dispersion; executive compensation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General

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