INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: TRENDS, DETERMINANTS, AND PROPOSED REMEDIES

C-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Surveys
Year: 2014
Volume: 28
Issue: 4
Pages: 686-708

Authors (5)

Iris Claus (not in RePEc) Les Oxley (not in RePEc) Chen Wang (Universiteit Leiden) Guanghua Wan (Fudan University) Dan Yang (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.201 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The issue of income inequality in the People's Republic of China (PRC) has attracted world-wide attention, leading to a sizable literature. This paper attempts to provide a nonexhaustive literature review of the PRC's inequality trends and determinants, and suggested government interventions. It discusses profiles of income inequality along three dimensions: interhousehold disparity, regional divides, and urban–rural gaps. This is followed by an exploration of the driving forces behind rising inequality, including the notorious hukou system, policy biases, location or geographic factors, globalization, and education. Finally, the paper summarizes and proposes government interventions for containing or reducing income inequality in the PRC. Important areas for future research are also suggested in the final section of the paper.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:jecsur:v:28:y:2014:i:4:p:686-708
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-29