Unpacking labour’s declining income share: manufacturing, mining and growing inequality

4th February 2015 By: Econ3x3

Unpacking labour’s declining income share: manufacturing, mining and growing inequality

While the share of capital increased, labour’s share of total income earned in South Africa fell significantly during the first two decades after 1994. These trends could contribute to a deterioration of income inequality, given that the ownership of capital – and thus the income from capital – is concentrated in fewer individuals than is the case with salaries and wages. This article explores labour’s falling share, with particular reference to the manufacturing and mining sectors.

Download the article above.

Written by Philippe Burger, Professor of Economics and Head of Department, University of the Free State

This article was first published on the Econ3x3 website – Accessible policy-relevant research and expert commentaries on unemployment and employment, income distribution and inclusive growth in South Africa.