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Piketty in the long run

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  • Frank A Cowell

Abstract

I examine the idea of 'the long run' in Piketty (2014) and related works. In contrast to simplistic interpretations of long-run models of income- and wealth-distribution Piketty (2014) draws on a rich economic analysis that models the intra- and inter-generational processes that underlie the development of the wealth distribution. These processes inevitably involve both market and non-market mechanisms. To understand this approach, and to isolate the impact of different social and economic factors on inequality in the long run, we use the concept of an equilibrium distribution. However the long-run analysis of policy should not presume that there is an inherent tendency for the wealth distribution to approach equilibrium.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank A Cowell, 2015. "Piketty in the long run," CASE Papers /185, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
    • Handle: RePEc:cep:sticas:/185
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Atkinson, A. B. & Piketty, Thomas (ed.), 2010. "Top Incomes: A Global Perspective," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199286898.
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    7. Frank A Cowell, 1998. "Inheritance and the Distribution of Wealth," STICERD - Distributional Analysis Research Programme Papers 34, Suntory and Toyota International Centres for Economics and Related Disciplines, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Frank A. Cowell & Philippe Kerm, 2015. "Wealth Inequality: A Survey," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(4), pages 671-710, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    long run; income distribution; wealth distribution; inequality; inheritance; equilibrium;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution

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