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Revisiting the Kuznets curve, 70 years on

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Listed:
  • Stella Keijzer
  • Kunal Sen

Abstract

We revisit the iconic Kuznets (1955) paper, which postulated a clear positive relationship between inequality and economic development in the early stages of structural transformation. Using a newly released global dataset on income inequality—the WIID Companion—we set out the stylized facts of the Kuznets curve for a range of developing and developed countries. We examine the relationship between the net income Gini and per capita income, as well as the relationship between the net income Gini and structural transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Stella Keijzer & Kunal Sen, 2025. "Revisiting the Kuznets curve, 70 years on," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2025-79, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-79
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gradín, Carlos, 2024. "Revisiting the trends in global inequality," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
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