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Will China's demographic transition exacerbate its income inequality?–CGE modeling with top-down microsimulation

Author

Listed:
  • Xinxin Wang
  • Kevin Z. Chen
  • Sherman Robinson
  • Zuhui Huang

Abstract

Demographic transition due to population aging is an emerging trend throughout the developing world, and it is especially acute in China, which has undergone demographic transition more rapidly than have most industrial economies. This paper quantifies the distributional effects in the context of demographic transition using an integrated recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model with top-down behavioral microsimulation. The results of the poverty and inequality index indicate that population aging has a negative impact on the reduction of poverty while its impact is positive with regard to equality. In addition, elderly rural households are experiencing the most serious poverty, and their inequality problems compared with other household groups and within-group inequality worsen with demographic transition. These findings not only advance the previous literature but also deserve particular attention from Chinese policy-makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinxin Wang & Kevin Z. Chen & Sherman Robinson & Zuhui Huang, 2017. "Will China's demographic transition exacerbate its income inequality?–CGE modeling with top-down microsimulation," Journal of the Asia Pacific Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(2), pages 227-252, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rjapxx:v:22:y:2017:i:2:p:227-252
    DOI: 10.1080/13547860.2016.1263043
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    3. Qi Zhang & Xinxin Zhang & Qi Cui & Weining Cao & Ling He & Yexin Zhou & Xiaofan Li & Yunpeng Fan, 2022. "The Unequal Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Labour Market and Income Inequality in China: A Multisectoral CGE Model Analysis Coupled with a Micro-Simulation Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-21, January.

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