This paper utilizes the latest CGSS data to quantitatively measure the contribution of inequality of opportunities to the overall income inequality in China.It finds that 27%of total income inequality can be attribute...This paper utilizes the latest CGSS data to quantitatively measure the contribution of inequality of opportunities to the overall income inequality in China.It finds that 27%of total income inequality can be attributed to inequality of opportunities,i.e.,the inequality component which is out of control for individuals.This ratio is comparable to that found in most Latin American countries with high income inequality.The heterogeneity analyses show that the inequality of opportunities is even larger for low-educated and low-income groups.Furthermore,the paper empirically verifies three possible channels underlying the measured inequality of opportunities,including labor market discrimination,intergenerational education persistence,and family background effect.Policy suggestions are derived based on the empirical analyses,such as reducing labor market discrimination,balancing education resources among different areas,making it more transparent in state sector recruitment,and lowering inequality by more progressive taxes and transfers.展开更多
文摘This paper utilizes the latest CGSS data to quantitatively measure the contribution of inequality of opportunities to the overall income inequality in China.It finds that 27%of total income inequality can be attributed to inequality of opportunities,i.e.,the inequality component which is out of control for individuals.This ratio is comparable to that found in most Latin American countries with high income inequality.The heterogeneity analyses show that the inequality of opportunities is even larger for low-educated and low-income groups.Furthermore,the paper empirically verifies three possible channels underlying the measured inequality of opportunities,including labor market discrimination,intergenerational education persistence,and family background effect.Policy suggestions are derived based on the empirical analyses,such as reducing labor market discrimination,balancing education resources among different areas,making it more transparent in state sector recruitment,and lowering inequality by more progressive taxes and transfers.
