This article introduces the symposium on economic development theory. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. JEL classification: O11; O12

Article history: Received 24 June 2011 Revised 12 May 2012 Available online 25 May 2012 JEL classification: O12 O17 O50 P48

This paper discusses aspects of S.G. Donald et al. (2010) and R. Davidson (2010), which were presented at the Econometrics Journal sponsored special session on the econometrics of inequality measurement, held at the Royal Economics Society Meeting in Surrey in 2010. JEL Classification: C10, C14, C15, I39 ∗This discussion was prepared for presentation at the Econometrics Journal sponsored specia...

Inequality of Learning in Industrialised Countries Within-country differences in educational outcomes are compared for a large group of industrialised countries. We investigate where inequality is greatest, the association between inequality in learning and average levels of learning, the interpretation of measured levels of inequality, and differences in inequality at the top and bottom of the...

This paper estimates the impact of first nationwide e-commerce expansion program on rural households. To do so, we combine a randomized control trial with new survey and administrative microdata. In contrast to existing case studies, find little evidence for income gains producers workers. Instead, are driven by reduction in cost living minority households that tend be younger, richer, more rem...

This essay assesses the relationship between farm size and productivity. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are used to derive efficiency measures. Smaller farms are found to have higher net farm income per hectare, and to be more technically efficient, than larger farms. JEL Classifications: Q12, O12

The article offers a strategy for increasing the Russian economy through rational use of country's natural resources. As tools, it is offered to apply functional approach determine critical functions system in order generate additional income improve economy. A scheme influencing control using negative feedback method quality offered. New criteria are proposed assessing work governors and minis...

While recent research on income polarization is based on only a few approaches, this paper portrays the major methods and applies each to income distributions of Germany (1984-2000) and the US (1984-1997) using the Cross-National Equivalent Files. In addition, statistical inference is provided via bootstrap techniques. Further, we combine kernel density estimation with a unimodality test. The e...

I provide a typology of social capital, breaking it down into seven more fundamental forms of capital: information capital, brokerage capital, coordination and leadership capital, bridging capital, favor capital, reputation capital, and community capital. I discuss how most of these forms of social capital can be identified using different network-based measures. JEL Classification Codes: D85, ...

This essay assesses the relationship between farm size and productivity. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are used to derive efficiency measures. Smaller farms are found to have higher net farm income per hectare, and to be more technically efficient, than larger farms. JEL Classifications: Q12, O12