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Does Central Bank Independence Increase Inequality?

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  • Aklin,Michael
  • Kern,Andreas
  • Negre,Mario

Abstract

Since the 1980s, income inequality has increased substantially in several countries. Yet the political logic that triggered rising inequality in some places but not in others remains poorly understood. This paper builds a theory that links central bank independence to these dynamics. It posits the existence of three mechanisms that tie central bank independence to inequality. First, central bank independence indirectly constrains fiscal policy and weakens a government's ability to engage in redistribution. Second, central bank independence incentivizes governments to deregulate financial markets, which generates a boom in asset values. These assets are predominantly in the hands of wealthier segments of the population. Third, to contain inflationary pressures, governments actively promote policies that weaken the bargaining power of workers. Together, these policies strengthen secular trends towards higher inequality according to standard indicators. Empirically, the analysis finds a strong relation between central bank independence and inequality, as well as support for each of the mechanisms. From a policy perspective, our findings contribute to knowledge on the undesirable side effects of central bank independence.

Suggested Citation

  • Aklin,Michael & Kern,Andreas & Negre,Mario, 2021. "Does Central Bank Independence Increase Inequality?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9522, The World Bank.
  • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:9522
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    Cited by:

    1. Yin, Hua-Tang & Chang, Chun-Ping & Anugrah, Donni Fajar & Gunadi, Iman, 2023. "Gender equality and central bank independence," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 661-672.
    2. Betz, Timm & Pond, Amy, 2023. "Democratic institutions and regulatory privileges for government debt," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Solikin M. Juhro, 2021. "Policy Synergy for Economic Recovery: Lessons Learned and Whats Next?," Proceedings, Bank Indonesia, vol. 1, June.
    4. Garriga, Ana Carolina & Rodriguez, Cesar M., 2023. "Central bank independence and inflation volatility in developing countries," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 1320-1341.
    5. Bettarelli, Luca & Estefania-Flores, Julia & Furceri, Davide & Loungani, Prakash & Pizzuto, Pietro, 2023. "Energy inflation and consumption inequality," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    6. John Beirne & Nuobu Renzhi & Ulrich Volz, 2023. "Non-Bank Finance and Monetary Policy Transmission in Asia," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(6), pages 1976-1991, May.
    7. Osvald Vasicek & Natalie Uhrova & Lenka Dimitriou Janickova & Tomas Wroblowsky & Boris Navratil, 2023. "Central Bank Independence: Where Do We Stand?," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-15, April.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labor Markets; Rural Labor Markets; Macroeconomic Management; Poverty Reduction Strategies; Consumption; Fiscal&Monetary Policy; Financial Structures;
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