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Earnings Inequality in Late Nineteenth Century America and Britain

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  • Myeong-Su Yun

    (University of Western Ontario)

Abstract

This paper studies the level and the causes of earnings inequality in late nineteenth century America and Britain using microdata from the United States Commissioner of Labor Survey in 1890 and 1891. We examine whether lessons from studies on changes in earnings inequality over time -- the importance of skill, especially the skill wage premium, in explaining the changes -- can be applied to explaining why America had greater earnings inequality relative to Britain in the late nineteenth century. Using Fields' decomposition methodology, we find that the skill factor is important, albeit not the most important. According to shift share analysis, the differences in earnings inequality between the two countries can be explained mainly by the greater inequality within each skill group.

Suggested Citation

  • Myeong-Su Yun, 2000. "Earnings Inequality in Late Nineteenth Century America and Britain," Departmental Working Papers 199834, Rutgers University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:rut:rutres:199834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia Dillon & Ira Gang, 1987. "Earnings Effects of Labor Organizations in 1890," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 40(4), pages 516-527, July.
    2. Lindert, Peter H. & Williamson, Jeffrey G., 1985. "Growth, equality, and history," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 22(4), pages 341-377, October.
    3. Sen, Amartya, 1997. "On Economic Inequality," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198292975.
    4. Hatton, T J & Boyer, G R & Bailey, R E, 1994. "The Union Wage Effect in Late Nineteenth Century Britain," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 61(244), pages 435-456, November.
    5. Goldin, Claudia & Katz, Lawrence F, 1996. "Technology, Skill, and the Wage Structure: Insights from the Past," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 86(2), pages 252-257, May.
    6. Rosenbloom, Joshua L., 1990. "One Market or Many? Labor Market Integration in the Late Nineteenth-Century United States," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 50(1), pages 85-107, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    earnings inequality; Fields' decomposition of inequality; late nineteenth century America and Britain ; shift share analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • N31 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: Pre-1913
    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913

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