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Polarization

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The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics

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Abstract

Polarization means the tendency of economic agents to form different groups and acquire identities that enhance differences from other groups. It is both cause and consequence of much economic behaviour. It has been employed, for example, in describing the diminution of the middle class in wage, income and wealth distributions, in studying growth and convergence issues, and in examining the plight of the poor. Although polarization is closely associated with trends in inequality, increased polarization can correspond to an increase, a reduction or no change in inequality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. http://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5

    Gordon Anderson

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  1. Gordon Anderson
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Anderson, G. (2018). Polarization. In: The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95189-5_2781

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