The strange case of inequality in Slovakia and the Czech Republic

After the fall of communism, all countries transitioning from planned to market economy experienced large increases in income inequality. All but one, Slovakia, where income inequality decreased. What could explain this outcome? Why did income inequality decrease in Slovakia while in the Czech Republic (that was part of the same country) it increased dramatically? This book aims to answer these questions. To do so it looks at the privatization strategies that Slovakia and the Czech Republic adopted after the transition and at the strength of their labour unions. In conclusion, it suggests that the two elements had a profound impact on the income distribution of the two countries. This book gives an Economic-History perspective and it is especially addressed to academics of this field as well as anyone interested in the transition of the two countries towards a market economy and the understanding of the root causes of their current income distribution.

Autorentext

Giulia is an International Development professional. Her engagement with the NGO Jandira Onlus was the main driver of her interest for income inequality. In 2014, after graduating in International Relations at Universit degli studi Roma Tre, she decided to pursue a MSc in Political Economy of Development at the London School of Economics.