Factor productivity and income inequality: a general equilibrium analysis

Economic growth over the past two decades has failed to reduce income inequality. We contend that major reasons for this are the slowdown and bias in technological change (productivity growth). Given the complexity of the many interactions that take place, this phenomenon is best addressed in a general equilibrium context. For this purpose, we have developed a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with advanced features relating to income distribution. We perform a series of simulations based on recent overall productivity changes, but under various forms of technological change bias, factor mobility, and government budgetary balance. We find the labour-augmenting technological change cases to be most consistent with recent experience.