Myths about Beta-Convergence

A popular methodology of studying spatial income inequality is analysis of beta-convergence (i.e. an inverse relationship between current income per capita and its initial level). Its widespread use is based on a belief that the economic growth theory predicts income convergence among economies (countries or regions within a country), and that beta-convergence suggests decreasing income inequality. This article demonstrates that these are nothing but myths; hence, analyzing of betaconvergence cannot serve as an adequate methodology for studying and predicting the evolution of spatial income inequality.