Journal of Economic Literature · 2025 · Magne Mogstad、Kjell G. Salvanes、Gaute Torsvik
中文摘要
政策制定者、公共评论人士和研究人员经常将北欧国家视为一种兼具低收入不平等与繁荣增长的社会经济模式的典范。本文通过整合理论视角与实证证据，对这一说法进行批判性评估，以解释北欧模式如何运作，以及这些国家为何呈现较低的不平等程度。我们的分析表明，北欧国家的收入平等在很大程度上由小时工资的显著压缩所驱动，这降低了劳动力市场技能和教育的回报。这似乎源于一种以行业内部及行业之间高度协调为特征的工资谈判制度。这一发现对其他常被用来解释北欧收入平等的观点提出了挑战，例如通过税收转移制度进行再分配、对与就业互补的物品进行公共支出，以及推行促进技能和人力资本均等化的公共政策。我们探讨了对旨在减少不平等的经济体所具有的更广泛启示，并在最后指出了若干尚未得到充分研究或解决的问题。(JEL D31, E23, H23, J24, J31, J52)
Abstract
Policymakers, public commentators, and researchers often cite the Nordic countries as examples of a socioeconomic model that combines low income inequality with prosperity and growth. This article critically assesses that claim by integrating theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence to explain how the Nordic model functions and why these countries experience low inequality. Our analysis suggests that income equality in the Nordics is largely driven by a significant compression of hourly wages, reducing returns to labor market skills and education. This appears to result from a wage bargaining system characterized by strong coordination within and across industries. This finding challenges other commonly cited explanations for Nordic income equality, such as redistribution through the tax transfer system, public spending on goods that complement employment, and public policies promoting equal skills and human capital. We consider broader lessons for economies aiming to reduce inequality and conclude by highlighting several under-explored or unresolved questions. (JEL D31, E23, H23, J24, J31, J52)