ISSN:
1432-0592
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
,
Geography
,
Economics
Notes:
Abstract This study examines the role of subnational governmental units in the “distribution branch” of the Musgrave conceptual fiscal frame-work. The study analyzes the size distribution of family personal income in the 19 county North Central Planning Region of Texas. The measure of inequality used is the Gini ratio (Lorenz curves are also presented) which is calculated for each county and for the region for the years 1950, 1960 and 1970. Multiple regression analysis is then used to explain the variation in distributional inequality among the counties. The variables tested in the regression for each year included: median family income, manufacturing employment, rural-farm residence, an index of inequality in the distribution of education, female labor force participation, race, female family headship and age distribution of the population. The explanatory power of the variables varied from year to year and only the best results are presented. The results indicated that inequality increases with (1) the proportion of non-whites in the population, (2) the percent of the population over 65 years of age and (3) the degree of inequality in the distribution of education. In light of the results, the authors conclude that subnational governments could play a positive role in the activities of the Musgrave “distribution branch.” National programs with greater distributional equality as their objective could be reinforced through the activities of such subnational governmental units as regional councils of government. The COG roles in regional manpower planning and regional transportation planning are suggested as areas where regional programs can influence in a positive fashion some of the factors explaining income inequality.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01284297
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