Convergence in income inequality in the United States: a nonparametric analysis

摘要

This note investigates the spatial distribution of income inequality in the US over the period 1969 to 1999. Taking into account the methodological limitations of traditional convergence analysis, a non parametric approach is applied to examine the dynamics of the entire cross-sectional distribution. The study reveals the presence of a process of convergence in income inequality across the US states throughout the sample period, as a result of the evolution experienced by those sates located at both ends of the distribution in 1969. Nevertheless, the estimates performed suggest that this process will not continue indefinitely.