From Physical to Human Capital Accumulation: Inequality and the Process of Development

S-Tier
Journal: Review of Economic Studies
Year: 2004
Volume: 71
Issue: 4
Pages: 1001-1026

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

This paper develops a growth theory that captures the replacement of physical capital accumulation by human capital accumulation as a prime engine of growth along the process of development. It argues that the positive impact of inequality on the growth process was reversed in this process. In early stages of the Industrial Revolution, when physical capital accumulation was the prime source of growth, inequality stimulated development by channelling resources towards individuals with a higher propensity to save. As human capital emerged as a growth engine, equality alleviated adverse effects of credit constraints on human capital accumulation, stimulating the growth process. Copyright 2004, Wiley-Blackwell.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:restud:v:71:y:2004:i:4:p:1001-1026
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25