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Economic freedom and income inequality: further evidence from 58 countries in the long-run

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  • Nicholas Apergis

    (University of Piraeus, Department of Banking and Financial Management, Piraeus, Greece)

Abstract

This study employs panel data for 58 countries from 1980-2010, to investigate the dynamic relationship between economic freedom and income inequality. Both linear and non-linear (Panel Smooth Threshold Regression) cointegration estimation methods are used to identify a long-run equilibrium relationship between the overall economic freedom index and its components, and income inequality. The linear long-run parameter estimates for the entire panel of countries show that the association is negative, while the non-linear long-run parameter estimates indicate that above a threshold point the association between economic freedom and income inequality is negative, while below this threshold point the association is positive.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicholas Apergis, 2015. "Economic freedom and income inequality: further evidence from 58 countries in the long-run," Financial Theory and Practice, Institute of Public Finance, vol. 39(4), pages 349-370.
    • Handle: RePEc:ipf:finteo:v:39:y:2015:i:4:p:349-370
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic freedom; Economic Freedom Index; income distribution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth

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