Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi
Abstract
The paper is a survey of the literature analysing the development
of income distribution in the less developed countries. First, a number
of cross-section studies are reviewed. Then the results from a number of
studies concerning the development of inequality in Latin American, Asia, and
African countries are presented. It was found that income distribution had
deteriorated in a number of countries. Finally, the factors which have been
shown to determine the development of income distribution are summarized.
These concern institutions, structural change, functional distribution, asset
distribution, financial markets, human capital, labour market, social
stratification, market imperfections, trade policy, domestic policy,
spatial factors, trade unions, and demographic factors