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Minimum Wage Policy and Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean

Author

Listed:
  • Gindling, T. H.
  • Ronconi, Lucas

Abstract

In this chapter reviews the literature and inform policy debates about the effects of minimum wages (MW) on income inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Suggested Citation

  • Gindling, T. H. & Ronconi, Lucas, 2023. "Minimum Wage Policy and Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 12931, Inter-American Development Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:12931
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0004975
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor force; Politics; Wage; Income; Inequality; labor; Equality; Minimum Wage; Income Equality; Household income;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • J38 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Public Policy
    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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