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

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