Equitable Distribution of Income

A more equitable distribution of income may help accelerate growth and promote economic development. Equitable doesn’t mean equal distribution of income that is ‘fair’, but the concept of ‘fair’ is subjective.

Why Do We Need Equitable Distribution of Income?

The propensity to consume, i.e. the proportion of income spent for the poorer is higher so the redistribution of income will increase consumption and thus aggregate demand.

Governments have an easier job of implementing economic policies if people are happier. If people think that their hard work isn’t rewarding then there can be social unrest, which increases uncertainty.

The poor will be able to access healthcare and education, which will improve the quality and quantity of factors of production in the long run.

However, an equitable distribution of income could lower incentives for people to work hard and take risks.

Solutions to an Equitable Distribution of Income

A good short run solution would be a progressive tax system with transfer payments, such as subsidies, unemployment benefits and disability benefits. By taxing higher income groups more than lower-income groups, the income can be redistributed from the rich to the poor.

A good long run policy would be to improve the access to education and healthcare, create more jobs and lower corruption.


Prateek Agarwal loves Economics, so he decided to set up Intelligent Economist as a way to share his passion for Economics with the world. After completing his undergraduate degree in Economics at U.S.C., Prateek is now working in the Healthcare industry.

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