The Relationship between Income Inequality and Conspicuous Consumption in OECD Countries: A Long-run Analysis

Öz

This study analyzes the relationship between income distribution and consumption expenditures in OECD countries. In this framework, a data set covering 34 OECD countries and the period 1970-2021 is used. In the study, the "Dynamic panel data" technique is applied to eliminate the endogeneity problem and to better explain the dynamic process in the long run. In addition, the relationship analyzed through three different income distribution indicators. The hypotheses of Frank (2014) and Christensen and Morgan (2005), which are considered extensions of the relative income hypothesis, are tested, and it is also questioned whether the results are robust. The findings show that an increase in income inequality increases total expenditures. This result confirms the "conspicuous consumption" phenomenon and therefore supporting Duesenberry's (1949) hypothesis. Accordingly, an increase in income inequality increases total expenditures through conspicious consumption. Key Words: Consumption Expenditures, Income Distribution, Panel Data Analysis. JEL Classification: D12, D31, C23

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Tüketim Harcamaları
• Gelir dağılımı
• Panel veri Analizi.

OECD Ülkelerinde Gelir Eşitsizliği-Gösteriş Tüketimi İlişkisi: Uzun Dönemli Bir Analiz

Öz

Bu çalışmada, OECD ülkelerinde gelir dağılımı ve tüketim harcamaları incelenmektedir. Bu çerçevede 34 OECD ülkesini ve 1970-2021 dönemini kapsayan veri seti kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada hem içsellik problemini gidermek hem de uzun dönemde dinamik süreci daha iyi açıklayabilmek amacıyla “Dinamik panel veri” tekniği uygulanmıştır. Buna ek olarak, söz konusu ilişki üç farklı gelir dağılımı göstergesi üzerinden incelenmiştir. Bu sayede, nispi gelir hipotezinin uzantıları olarak ele alınan, Frank (2014) ve Christensen ve Morgan (2005) hipotezleri test edilmiş, ayrıca uygulama sonuçlarının dirençli olup olmadığını sorgulanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular gelir eşitsizliğindeki artışın toplam harcamaları artırdığını göstermektedir. Bu sonuç “Gösteriş tüketimi” olgusunu doğrulamakta ve dolayısıyla Duesenberry (1949)’nin hipotezini destekleyen katsayı ile örtüşmektedir. Buna göre, gelir eşitsizliğindeki artış, gösteriş tüketimi üzerinden toplam harcamaları artırmaktadır. Anahtar Kelimeler: Tüketim Harcamaları, Gelir dağılımı, Panel veri Analizi. JEL Sınıflandırması: D12, D31, C23

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Tüketim Harcamaları
• Gelir dağılımı
• Panel veri Analizi.

Teşekkür

Sayın Hocam; "OECD Ülkelerinde Gelir Eşitsizliği-Gösteriş Tüketimi İlişkisi: Uzun Dönemli Bir Analiz" başlıklı çalışmamızı sisteme yüklemekteyiz. İlginiz için teşekkür eder, saygılar sunarız.

Kaynakça

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