Suchergebnisse

This paper provides microfoundations for dual economy models. First, the patterns of production and population growth in the traditional agricultural sector are examined. This shows the connection between long‐run per capita income and subsistence wages. Second, it proves the existence of surplus labour and defines two types of surplus labour. Third, it considers two wage determination mechanisms in the modern sector and their relationships with the requirement for labour market restrictions. Fourth, the labour market is linked to food supply. Fifth, the dynamics of surplus labour and labour transfer are considered and two types of turning point are defined.

Using three comparable national representative household surveys for China in 1988, 1995 and 2002, the present paper reveals the regressivity and urban bias of China's direct tax and welfare system in this period. It shows that a regressive taxation system and skewed allocation of subsidies increases the urban-rural income gap and enhances overall inequality. Modeling these relationships indicates that the relatively poorer rural population has a net tax liability, whereas those in the richer urban areas receive net subsidies. This pattern is common in China, although the extent of the bias varies. This skewed system of tax and welfare payments is a major cause of the persisting urban-rural income gap and contributes to the overall income inequality in China. The abolishment of the agriculture tax in 2006 has had a positive impact on rural people's livelihoods. © 2010 The Authors China & World Economy © 2010 Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

AbstractThe establishment of a successful stock market in a developing economy can be a major source of economic growth if it provides development finance by channelling domestic savings and attracting foreign investment. However, this objective is not always met, particularly in very small markets where there are barriers to efficient market operations. A case study of Swaziland and Mozambique illustrates that any potential gains to the domestic investment community are limited if there is insufficient liquidity and the political economy is such that ownership is not truly dispersed but rather remains in the hands of social elites. This paper finds that potential growth of small developing markets is further severely constrained by poverty and wealth inequality and consequently the impact on development is minimal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.