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Redistributive Public Employment

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Listed:
  • Alberto Alesina
  • Reza Baqir
  • William Easterly

Abstract

Politicians may use disguised' redistributive policies in order to circumvent opposition to explicit tax-transfer schemes. First, we present a theoretical model that formalizes this hypothesis; then we provide evidence that in US cities, politicians use public employment as such a redistributive device. We find that city employment is significantly higher in cities where income inequality and ethnic fragmentation are higher.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Alesina & Reza Baqir & William Easterly, 1998. "Redistributive Public Employment," NBER Working Papers 6746, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:6746
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