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Life is Unfair in Latin America, But Does it Matter for Growth?

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  • Blanco, Luisa
Abstract
Summary I analyze the effect of inequality on economic growth in Latin America, where inequality is measured as the area of family farms as a percentage of the total area of agricultural holdings. Using data from 18 Latin American countries during 1960-2004, I find that inequality has a nonlinear effect on economic growth. Overall, for the countries included in this analysis, the share of family farms has a positive significant effect on economic growth. These findings are robust to controlling for several factors, using a different indicator of inequality (land Gini), and addressing for endogeneity.

Suggested Citation

  • Blanco, Luisa, 2010. "Life is Unfair in Latin America, But Does it Matter for Growth?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(3), pages 393-404, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:38:y:2010:i:3:p:393-404
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