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Social and institutional factors as determinants of economic growth: Evidence from the United States counties

Author

Listed:
  • Anil Rupasingha

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, 7E Armsby Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA)

  • Stephan J. Goetz

    (Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, 7E Armsby Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA)

  • David Freshwater

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, 407 Charles E. Barnhart Building 0276, Lexington, KY 40502, USA)

Abstract

In the search for explanations of persistent differences in economic growth rates, the conditional convergence growth model has introduced the possibility of incorporating a wide set of factors as determinants of growth. Controlling for spatial dependence, we assess the contribution of differences in social and institutional variables on growth rates of per capita income for counties in the United States. The empirical results indicate that, ceteris paribus, social and institutio variables explain some of the differences in convergence rates among counties. In particular, (i) ethnic diversity is associated with faster rates of economic growth; (ii) higher levels of income inequality are associated with lower rates; and (iii) higher levels of social capital have a positive effect on economic growth rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Anil Rupasingha & Stephan J. Goetz & David Freshwater, 2002. "Social and institutional factors as determinants of economic growth: Evidence from the United States counties," Papers in Regional Science, Springer;Regional Science Association International, vol. 81(2), pages 139-155.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:presci:v:81:y:2002:i:2:p:139-155
    Note: Received: 14 August 2000
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    JEL classification:

    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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