Wealth and Inequality in Italy

29 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2012

Date Written: February 15, 2012

Abstract

The paper describes first the evolution in total household wealth in Italy over the period 1965-2010 before addressing the analysis of wealth inequality. On the basis of reconstructed data, we show that household wealth inequality declined until the beginning of the 1990s. It then grew significantly during that decade, remaining at approximately the same level afterwards. By international standards, Italy does not have a high level of wealth inequality (contrary to the evidence available for income). Wealth distribution has changed significantly over time, favouring elderly rather than young households. The origins of wealth (savings, gifts, inheritance, capital gains) are also examined and the statistical evidence is discussed together with the opinions on inequality collected by means of statistical surveys.

Note: Downloadable document is in Italian.

Keywords: wealth, inequality

JEL Classification: D31, D63

Suggested Citation

D'Alessio, Giovanni, Wealth and Inequality in Italy (February 15, 2012). Bank of Italy Occasional Paper No. 115, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2045578 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2045578

Giovanni D'Alessio (Contact Author)

Bank of Italy ( email )

Via Nazionale 91
00184 Roma
Italy

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