Economic class and the distribution of income: A time-series analysis of the UK economy, 1955-2010

Juan Cuestas and Bruce Philp ()
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Bruce Philp: Division of Economics, Nottingham Trent University

No 2011012, Working Papers from The University of Sheffield, Department of Economics

Abstract: This paper contributes to our understanding of the determinants and dynamics of a Marxian surplus-value rate using quarterly UK data, 1955-2010, and the Johansen (1988, 1991) cointegration and vector error correction model (VECM). A conceptual model is introduced to define surplus-value and its component parts, before elaborating on theoretical issues which are important in estimating the rate. In the empirical analysis we seek to explain distributive conflict, paying attention to three forces which are traditionally seen as drivers of power in distributional struggle: (i) political party; (ii) the size of the “reserve army” of the unemployed; (iii) working class militancy. Our results suggest a positive impact of unemployment on the rate of surplus-value, and that falling working class militancy tends to raise the rate. Political party also affects the rate of surplus-value with a negative impact on the rate emanating from movement to left-wing government. This analysis demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Marxian economics in providing an alternative, robust and significant explanation of distribution in the post-war UK economy.

Keywords: Income Distribution; Political Party; Heterodox Economics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: B51 C22 D33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 26 pages
Date: 2011-04, Revised 2011-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hme, nep-pke and nep-pol
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http://www.shef.ac.uk/economics/research/serps/articles/2011_012.html First version, 2011 (application/pdf)

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Journal Article: Economic class and the distribution of income: a time-series analysis of the UK economy, 1955--2010 (2012)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:shf:wpaper:2011012

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