Does corruption cause income inequality?

.

No:

This paper presents new evidence on the relationship between corruption and income inequality. Using a panel data methodology, we find that lower corruption is associated with higher income inequality in Latin America. This result is in contrast to other empirical studies but it makes sense in Latin America for a number of reasons. The finding of an inverse relationship between inequality and corruption suggests that institutional reform policies by themselves may be misguided.

Source: “Is Corruption Really Bad for Inequality? Evidence from Latin America” from Institute for Advanced Development Studies, Development Research Working Paper Series, No. 02/2010

Speaking of corruption, the most entertaining political book I’ve ever read is Parliament of Whores by P.J. O’Rourke. I highly recommend you check it out.

Related posts:

How to tell which countries are corrupt… by looking at traffic tickets

Is corruption widespread in Congress?

Is corruption the problem or just the wrong *kind* of corruption?

Can you reduce corruption by sending people to London?

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