Income inequality and colonialism

Angeles, L. (2007) Income inequality and colonialism. European Economic Review, 51(5), pp. 1155-1176. (doi: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2006.09.001)

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Abstract

This paper proposes that colonialism is a major explanation behind today's differences in income inequality across countries. We argue that income inequality has been higher in the colonies where the percentage of European settlers to total population was higher, as long as Europeans remained a minority. The countries where Europeans became the majority of the population did not suffer from high inequality. These initial differences continue to hold today. The empirical evidence we provide strongly supports our thesis.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Angeles, Professor Luis
Authors: Angeles, L.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Economics
Journal Name:European Economic Review
ISSN:0014-2921
Published Online:29 November 2006

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