Contributions on the effect of economic growth, inequality and income on socioeconomic mobility
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Abstract
This research uses a macrosocial mobility approach. Using an OLS estimation technique applied to a sample of 55 countries, it presents evidence of a temporary growth threshold and the inverted U-shaped nature of social mobility levels across the growth path. Furthermore, it identifies that the effect of economic growth, although statistically significant, is practically null compared to inequality and income. For example, it presents evidence that 1) the best conditions for social fluidity occur in countries with low inequality and high income, regardless of growth levels; and 2) countries with low GDP per capita and low inequality have a degree of mobility close to that of countries with high GDP per capita but high inequality. The final section presents some predictions that may be useful for assessing the scope of economic policies that focus on boosting economic growth without considering the establishment of an environment with equal opportunities.
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