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Inequality: How not to primitivize the problem

https://doi.org/10.32609/0042-8736-2017-4-117-139

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of the key issues discussed in the recent economic literature on inequality. It highlights such topics as measurement subtle- ties; dynamics in inequality levels; possible drivers behind inequality growth; relationship between inter- and intra-countries’ inequality; shape of long-term trends (the Kuznets hypothesis); effects of inequality on economic growth; sup- posed earnings stagnation in developed countries; increased remuneration gap between top-managers and other workers; growing share of capital incomes in GDP; relationship between market competition and inequality; various norma- tive aspects. A general conclusion is that in normative terms inequality per se represents a pseudo-problem though it might be a manifestation of different fundamental economic and social problems.

About the Author

R. Kapeliushnikov
Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences; Centre for Labour Market Studies, National Research University Higher School of Economics
Russian Federation


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Review

For citations:


Kapeliushnikov R. Inequality: How not to primitivize the problem. Voprosy Ekonomiki. 2017;(4):117-139. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.32609/0042-8736-2017-4-117-139

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ISSN 0042-8736 (Print)