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Health, Inequality and Economic Development

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  • Angus Deaton

Abstract

This article explores the connection between income inequality and health in both, poor and rich countries. Mechanisms like non-linear income effects, credit restrictions, nutritional traps, public goods provision, and relative deprivation. It reviews the effects of income inequality on the rate of decline of mortality over time, the geographical patterns of mortality, and individual-level mortality. The article concludes that there is no direct link from income inequality to ill-health; people are no more likely to die if they live in more unequal places

Suggested Citation

  • Angus Deaton, 2016. "Health, Inequality and Economic Development," Working Papers id:8791, eSocialSciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:ess:wpaper:id:8791
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    income inequality; health; mortality; rich countries; poor countries; relative deprivation; nutritional traps;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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