Basic Problems Studied in Macroeconomics - Income Inequality
Income inequality is one of four major problems studies in Macroeconomics. These four major problems are:
- Unemployment
- Inflation
- Economic Growth
- Distribution of Income (Tax & Inequalities)
Here we will study Income Inequality. Uneven distribution or allocation of resources generates issues related to Income Inequality. Reasons behind it are following:
- Ownership of Key Resources - some people own resources that are in high demand. Examples include oil.
- Inheritance - some people are given profitable businesses or more capital to start up.
- Education and Training - enable people to get paid more for their labour.
As a result, the free market does not necessarily allocate resources fairly. We thus distinguish between:
- Equity of distribution - It means that all people should be able to have a chance at reaching a high income. (a 'fair chance')
- Equality of distribution - It refers to the idea that all resources should be shared out equally (not 'fairly')
Methods to help redistribute income more fairly include following:
- Taxation (Direct Tax & Indirect Tax)
- Transfer Benefits
- Provision of merit/public goods
- Subsidies
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