Regional income inequality and trade openness in Türkiye: A spatial econometric analysis

Öz

This study examines the relationship between regional inequality and trade openness in Türkiye’s 26 NUTS-II regions from 2014 to 2022, employing spatial panel data models. Using the GINI coefficient as a measure of inequality, the analysis explores the influence of trade openness, labor force participation, population density, and average years of schooling per capita. Results indicate that trade openness has a significant negative impact on inequality, highlighting its role in reducing regional disparities through enhanced market access and economic opportunities. However, the labor force participation rate exhibits a marginally positive relationship with inequality, potentially reflecting disparities in job quality and access to skilled employment. Population density emerges as a key driver of inequality, with densely populated regions experiencing greater income disparities due to urbanization and economic concentration effects. Surprisingly, the average years of education do not significantly influence inequality, which may result from unequal access to quality education or its limited translation into equitable economic opportunities. The study also identifies significant spatial dependencies, with regional inequality influenced by conditions in neighboring regions. These findings emphasize the need for tailored policies addressing both local and interregional dynamics to reduce inequality effectively.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Income Inequality
• Trade Openness
• Spatial Panel Data Analysis
• Regional Economics

Türkiye'de bölgesel gelir eşitsizliği ve ticaret açıklığı: Mekânsal ekonometrik analiz

Öz

Bu çalışma, 2014-2022 yılları arasında Türkiye'nin 26 NUTS-II bölgesindeki bölgesel eşitsizlik ve ticaret açıklığı arasındaki ilişkiyi mekânsal panel veri modelleri kullanarak incelemektedir. Eşitsizliğin bir ölçüsü olarak GINI katsayısını kullanan analiz, ticaret açıklığının, iş gücüne katılımın, nüfus yoğunluğunun ve kişi başına düşen ortalama okullaşma yılının etkisini araştırmaktadır. Sonuçlar, ticaret açıklığının eşitsizlik üzerinde önemli bir olumsuz etkiye sahip olduğunu ve gelişmiş piyasa erişimi ve ekonomik fırsatlar yoluyla bölgesel eşitsizlikleri azaltmadaki rolünü vurguladığını göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, iş gücüne katılım oranı eşitsizlikle marjinal düzeyde olumlu bir ilişki göstermektedir ve potansiyel olarak iş kalitesindeki ve vasıflı istihdama erişimdeki eşitsizlikleri yansıtmaktadır. Nüfus yoğunluğu, kentleşme ve ekonomik konsantrasyon etkileri nedeniyle yoğun nüfuslu bölgelerin daha büyük gelir eşitsizlikleri yaşamasıyla eşitsizliğin temel bir itici gücü olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Şaşırtıcı bir şekilde, ortalama eğitim yılı eşitsizliği önemli ölçüde etkilememektedir ve bu, kaliteli eğitime eşitsiz erişimden veya bunun adil ekonomik fırsatlara sınırlı şekilde dönüştürülmesinden kaynaklanabilir. Çalışma ayrıca, bölgesel eşitsizliğin komşu bölgelerdeki koşullardan etkilendiği önemli mekânsal bağımlılıklar olduğunu da tespit etmektedir. Bu bulgular, eşitsizliği etkili bir şekilde azaltmak için hem yerel hem de bölgeler arası dinamikleri ele alan özel politikalara olan ihtiyacı vurgulamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Gelir Eşitsizliği
• Ticaret Açıklığı
• Mekansal Panel Veri Analizi
• Bölgesel İktisat

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