The Kuznets Curve on Income Distribution Does Not Hold in China: A Critical Assessment

Qichun He and Heng-Fu Zou ()

No 607, CEMA Working Papers from China Economics and Management Academy, Central University of Finance and Economics

Abstract: We find robust evidence that within each consecutive dynasty of ancient China, inequality demonstrates a "U" shape (or rather a "spoon" shape, to be more precise). As inequality hit an upper limit, war occurred, leading to a new dynasty replacing the old one. The cycle would then repeat itself. A simple explanation for this has been offered, and policy implications have also been presented.

Keywords: Kuznets Curve; Income inequality; U shape; Ancient China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N95 O11 O43 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 12 pages
Date: 2018-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cna, nep-his and nep-tra
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