Structural reforms, growth, and inequality: An overview of theory, measurement, and evidence

© Oxford University Press 2018. All rights reserved. This chapter provides a critical overview of the state of the art in the economics literature on structural reforms. It takes stock of theoretical developments, measurement efforts, and of the econometric evidence. We start with a simple theoretical framework for the relationship between structural reforms, economic growth, and income inequality. We argue that whether structural reforms have a positive or negative impact depends on various factors. The type of reform, timing, sequence, and political constraints play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of reforms on economic growth and income inequality. We conclude by proposing a 7-point agenda for future research.

ISBN:9780198821878

Publication year:2018