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A Novel Look at Long-run Convergence Dynamics in the United States

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  • Margherita Gerolimetto
  • Stefano Magrini

Abstract

When regional disparities follow a cyclical short-run pattern, convergence analysis results can be sizably distorted. To tackle this issue, we propose a method based on the extraction of the trend from regional income time series that eschews misleading results when the nature of the cyclical pattern changes over time. Using real per capita personal income data for forty-eight conterminous US states and the distribution dynamics approach, we identify the following three distinct consecutive phases: strong convergence (1930–1970), substantial persistence (1971–1980), and divergence (1981–2010).

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  • Margherita Gerolimetto & Stefano Magrini, 2017. "A Novel Look at Long-run Convergence Dynamics in the United States," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 40(3), pages 241-269, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:inrsre:v:40:y:2017:i:3:p:241-269
    DOI: 10.1177/0160017614550081
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Alessandro Moro, 2017. "Distribution dynamics of property crime rates in the United States," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 54(11), pages 2613-2630, August.

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