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Is There A Kuznets' Process In Southeast Asia?

Author

Listed:
  • ABDUL JABBAR ABDULLAH

    (Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia)

  • HRISTOS DOUCOULIAGOS

    (Department of Economics, School of Business, Deakin University, Australia)

  • ELIZABETH MANNING

    (Department of Economics, School of Business, Deakin University, Australia)

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the determinants of inequality in Southeast Asia. This paper fills this void by comprehensively testing Kuznets' hypothesis for Southeast Asia. We estimate both unconditional and conditional Kuznets' curves using panel data for 8 countries. The analysis suggests the existence of a Kuznets' curve with respect to per capita income; the path of inequality is non-linear with respect to economic development. There is no evidence of a Kuznets curve with respect to non-agricultural employment. There is some evidence in terms of urbanization, though this is not robust. There is robust evidence on the role of national governments and education in shaping the path of inequality in the region. Government involvement reduces inequality. Education appears to have a non-linear effect on inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdul Jabbar Abdullah & Hristos Doucouliagos & Elizabeth Manning, 2015. "Is There A Kuznets' Process In Southeast Asia?," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 60(02), pages 1-22.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:serxxx:v:60:y:2015:i:02:n:s0217590815500174
    DOI: 10.1142/S0217590815500174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Kuznets' hypothesis; development; inequality; Southeast Asia; O11; O15; O53;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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