The Impact of Trade Liberalization on Income Inequality in Developing Economies
Keywords:
Income Inequality, Global Trade, Economic Growth, Policy Design, RedistributionAbstract
This article investigates the relationship between trade liberalization and income inequality in developing economies. Using empirical data from a range of countries that have undergone significant trade policy reforms, the study examines how opening markets to global trade influences income distribution. It finds that while trade liberalization often leads to overall economic growth, it can also exacerbate income inequality within countries. The paper argues that the design of trade policies should account for redistributive mechanisms to mitigate the adverse effects on vulnerable populations.
References
Amiti, M., & Wei, S. J. (2005). Fear of Service Outsourcing: Is it Justified? Economic Policy, 20(42), 309-348.
Baldwin, R. E., & Martin, P. (1999). Two Waves of Globalization: Superficial Similarities, Fundamental Differences. NBER Working Paper No. 6904.
Bhagwati, J. N., & Srinivasan, T. N. (2002). Trade and Poverty in the Poor Countries. American Economic Review, 92(2), 180-183.
Bourguignon, F., & Morrisson, C. (2002). Inequality Among World Citizens: 1820-1992. American Economic Review, 92(4), 727-744.
Dollar, D., & Kraay, A. (2004). Trade, Growth, and Poverty. The Economic Journal, 114(493), 22-49.
Edwards, S. (1998). Openness, Productivity and Growth: What Do We Really Know? The Economic Journal, 108(447), 383-398.
Fernández, R., & Rogerson, R. (2001). Income Distribution, Communities, and the Quality of Life. Journal of Political Economy, 109(5), 1028-1056.
Kravis, I. B., & Lipsey, R. E. (1983). Trade and Income: The Distributional Effects of International Trade. The Economic Journal, 93(371), 1011-1025.
Lustig, N. (2000). Trade Liberalization and Income Inequality in Developing Countries: Evidence from Latin America. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 48(4), 741-777.
Milanovic, B. (2005). Can We Discern the Effect of Globalization on Income Distribution? World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 3678.
Rodrik, D. (1999). The Paradox of Globalization: Why We Need More State Intervention in the Global Economy. Journal of International Business and Economics, 3(2), 107-127.
Slaughter, M. J. (2000). Trade Liberalization and Globalization: How Well Do Economists Understand the Economic Effects? The World Economy, 23(8), 991-1010.
Stiglitz, J. E. (2002). Globalization and its Discontents. W.W. Norton & Company.
Tanzi, V., & Zee, H. H. (2000). Tax Policy for Developing Countries. Economics and Politics, 12(2), 119-142.
Wood, A. (1994). North-South Trade, Employment and Inequality: Changing Fortunes in a Skill-Driven World. Clarendon Press.