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The Elephant Curve of Global Inequality and Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Facundo Alvaredo
  • Lucas Chancel
  • Thomas Piketty
  • Emmanuel Saez
  • Gabriel Zucman

Abstract

We present new evidence on global inequality and growth since 1980 using the World and Wealth Income Database. We plot the curve of cumulated growth from 1980 to 2016 by percentile of the global distribution of income per adult. This curve has an elephant shape due to high growth rates at the median (fast growth in China and India), modest growth rates above the median, and explosive growth rates at the top. We project the evolution of global inequality between now and 2050 combining projected macro growth rates and within country inequality evolution based on past trends.

Suggested Citation

  • Facundo Alvaredo & Lucas Chancel & Thomas Piketty & Emmanuel Saez & Gabriel Zucman, 2018. "The Elephant Curve of Global Inequality and Growth," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 108, pages 103-108, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:apandp:v:108:y:2018:p:103-08
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20181073
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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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