Inequality persistence through vertical vs. horizontal coalitions

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Pellicer, Miquel
• 署名单位: Mohammed V University in Rabat
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0304-3878
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2008.09.012
• 发表日期: 2009
• 页码: 258-266
• 关键词: inequality; redistribution; Working-class; Social contracts

摘要

This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the observed high persistence of cross-country differences in inequality. It focuses on the interactions between inequality and the predominance of either horizontal coalitions (among individuals of similar economic status) or vertical ones (among individuals with different economic status). A model is proposed showing that the interactions between inequality and the type of coalition formed in a society can give rise to self-sustained social contracts where inequality persists. Key mechanisms of the model are illustrated using the transformation in inequality, redistribution and social relations in Modern England, as well as the paternalist system of the US South at the beginning of the XXth century. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.