Aspects of the distribution of income

A significant economic issue is the stark contrast in average incomes between OECD countries and the world's poorest nations, as well as the rapid growth experienced by some countries, like the East-Asian dragons, over the past 25 years. Recent economic theories and empirical evidence highlight the crucial role of income and wealth distribution in addressing these disparities. This volume explores three main topics: the philosophical foundations of income distribution analysis, recent empirical findings on distributional trends and the "new poverty" debate, and theories connecting income distribution with economic growth. A comprehensive introduction synthesizes these discussions and emphasizes the empirical and political relevance of recent studies. Key contributions include analyses of public factors, international trade, human capital's impact on growth, and the relationship between income distribution and equity. Additional papers delve into regional wage determinants, local wage bargaining, and the effects of financial policies on growth and distribution in various economies. Overall, the collection integrates diverse perspectives on the implications of income distribution for economic development and stability.