The Rich, the Affluent and the Top Incomes: A Literature Review

39 Pages Posted: 16 Apr 2014 Last revised: 12 Sep 2014

See all articles by Marcelo Medeiros

Marcelo Medeiros

IPEA - Institute for Applied Economic Research; UnB - University of Brasilia

Pedro Souza

Universidade de Brasília (UnB)

Date Written: August 24, 2014

Abstract

We review the literature on the rich, the affluent and the top incomes earners focusing on the determinants of affluence or richness. The review surveys empirical results about the composition of the income and wealth of the rich and its direct determinants, such as individual characteristics, the State and the structure of production. We cover literature beginning with the early twentieth century but give special attention to research conducted after the 2000s. We attempt to cover studies from all regions of the world, despite the concentration of current research on developed countries.

Keywords: Income Inequality; Wealth Inequality; Top incomes; Rich; Affluence lines

JEL Classification: D31, H24, H80, I31, I32, J00, J31, O00

Suggested Citation

Medeiros, Marcelo and Souza, Pedro, The Rich, the Affluent and the Top Incomes: A Literature Review (August 24, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2425331 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2425331

Marcelo Medeiros (Contact Author)

IPEA - Institute for Applied Economic Research ( email )

SBS-01, Ed. BNDES
1610
Brasilia, DF 70076-900
Brazil

HOME PAGE: http://www.ipea.gov.br

UnB - University of Brasilia ( email )

Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro
Brasilia, Distrito Federal 70910-900
Brazil

HOME PAGE: http://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/visualizacv.do?metodo=apresentar&id=K4798836T3

Pedro Souza

Universidade de Brasília (UnB) ( email )

Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro
Asa Norte
Brasília, Distrito Federal 70910-900
Brazil
556181232513 (Phone)

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