In this paper, we assess the effect of globalization on the distribution of income within countries, focussing on the influence of foreign direct investment. We analyze data for 72 countries, 1970-90. We incorporate in our tests the Kuznets (1955) curve, measures of the character of political...

In this paper, we assess the effect of globalization on the distribution of income within countries, focussing on the influence of foreign direct investment. We analyze data for 72 countries, 1970-90. We incorporate in our tests the Kuznets (1955) curve, measures of the character of political...

Some argue that a “good” economy, measured as productivity-enhancing, free market policies, is better than a “just” economy for promoting social harmony. Growth is needed to increase a middle class, but growth may also increase income disparity, creating political instability. We examine...

Some argue that a “good” economy, measured as productivity-enhancing, free market policies, is better than a “just” economy for promoting social harmony. Growth is needed to increase a middle class, but growth may also increase income disparity, creating political instability. We examine...

Some blame free-market capitalism for increasing income inequality, arguing that the richer classes could block access to others for maintaining their privileges. By manipulating the degree of political rights and resources available to others, the rich could reduce opportunities for others....

In the presence of inequality a status-driven utility function reconciles the conflict between income-based and nutrition-based measures of poverty. Moreover, it can explain why the poor tend to save less, an established empirical fact in the developing countries. The result is independent of...