Income inequality, unemployment, and government transfer: what do their dynamics tell us

Abstract

PurposeIn this research, we explore the dynamics among measures of income inequality in the USA, male and female unemployment rates and growth in government transfer using time series data.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a macro-econometric approach to estimate a structural VAR model using time series data.FindingsOur structural impulse responses found that growth in government transfer increases unemployment rates for both males and females. Female income inequality declines with increased government transfer. When the female income ratio rises, we observe that government transfer outlays fall over the forecast horizon. Variance decomposition finds that growth in government transfers is impacted by the male unemployment rate relatively more than the female unemployment rate. This research, therefore, suggests gender-specific government transfers to reduce income inequality. This, in effect, may reduce government transfer outlays over time.Practical implicationsThis research, therefore, suggests gender-specific government transfers to reduce income inequality. This, in effect, may reduce government transfer outlays over time.Originality/valueThis research investigates the dynamics among income inequality, government transfer and unemployment rates. There is a dearth of research articles that adopt a macro-econometric in this area.