Inequality, poverty and quality of institutions: which freedom channels of globalization matter for Africa?

Asongu, Simplice A (2013): Inequality, poverty and quality of institutions: which freedom channels of globalization matter for Africa? Forthcoming in: European Economics Letters

Abstract

Are formal institutions instrumental in the effect globalization mechanisms have on the human face? If so, through which freedoms channels are poverty and inequality mitigated? With the instrumentality of formal institutions: (1) de jure financial liberalization (KAOPEN) has a positive income-redistribution impact while the de facto measure (FDI) does not; (2) political liberalization has a disequalizing effect and; (3) economic freedom has a positive (negative) effect on inequality (poverty). Hence, economic freedom does not stop the wealthy from growing wealthier, but at the same time provides for conditions that mitigate poverty. The findings broadly show that, despite the substantially documented negative incidences of some channels of globalization on poverty (and inequality), formal institutions have the capacity to device policies that will give capital openness, trade and economic liberalizations a human face. Social implications and policy options are discussed.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Globalization; Inequality; Poverty; Formal institutions; Africa
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F3 - International Finance > F30 - General; F - International Economics > F4 - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance > F41 - Open Economy Macroeconomics; F - International Economics > F5 - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy > F50 - General; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O15 - Human Resources ; Human Development ; Income Distribution ; Migration; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O5 - Economywide Country Studies > O55 - Africa

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