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How polarized is the global income distribution?

Author

Listed:
  • Laurence Roope
  • Miguel Niño-Zarazúa
  • Finn Tarp

Abstract

The interest in the level of global inequality has surged in recent years. This paper complements existing estimates of global inequality by providing the first estimates of the level of bipolarization of the global income distribution. During 1975-2010, global bipolarization declined substantially according to 'relative' measures, while it increased according to 'absolute' measures. The results mirror trends in global inequality over the same period.

Suggested Citation

  • Laurence Roope & Miguel Niño-Zarazúa & Finn Tarp, 2018. "How polarized is the global income distribution?," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2018-3, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2018-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Bigoni, Maria & Bortolotti, Stefania & Nas Özen, Efşan, 2021. "Economic polarization and antisocial behavior: An experiment," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 387-401.
    4. Diosey Ramon Lugo-Morin, 2021. "Global Future: Low-Carbon Economy or High-Carbon Economy?," World, MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-19, April.
    5. Ilan Wiesel & Julia de Bruyn & Jordy Meekes & Sangeetha Chandrashekeran, 2023. "Income polarisation, expenditure and the Australian urban middle class," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 60(14), pages 2779-2798, November.
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    7. Gradín, Carlos, 2024. "Revisiting the trends in global inequality," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Polarization; Bipolarization; Polarization measures; Global polarization; Global inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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