Horizontal inequality as an outcome

Abstract

A considerable body of research suggests that horizontal inequality between ethnic groups has major socioeconomic implications, in particular for peace and economic development. Much of this work focuses on horizontal inequality as an independent causal variable, rather than an outcome of various processes. We offer conceptual, theoretical, and empirical reasons for treating horizontal inequality as an outcome and challenging assumptions of fixity. We first consider explanations for variation drawing on the literature on horizontal inequality, as well as on ethnicity more broadly. We then explore how horizontal inequality can be measured using survey and census data, and present analysis based on two datasets providing information on inequality in terms of educational attainment (HI-E) for the 1960s to 2000s. These data suggest both a general trend toward decline in HI-E over time and considerable regional variation. This article serves also to introduce and frame the contributions to this special section.

Involuntary migration, inequality, and integration: national and subnational influences

“…Work in the latter area has paid particular attention to the factors and processes influencing longago originse.g. geography, colonialism and conquest, and historical institutionsand to understanding the persistence of inequalities thus constituted, over decades and centuries (Canelas and Gisselquist 2018). Among the sources of more contemporary change in horizontal inequality, international migration stands out as possibly 'the biggest source of new horizontal inequalities' (Stewart 2016, 12).…”

Involuntary migration, inequality, and integration: National and subnational influences

“…Levels of horizontal inequality vary depending not only upon which groups are considered within a given country, but also over time and across subnational regions, as well as-to the extent that meaningful comparison is possible-across countries (Canelas and Gisselquist 2018;Selway 2011). While the literature tells us quite a lot about the potential implications of such variation, it leaves considerable gaps in theorizing its causes-that is, in considering horizontal inequality as an outcome.…”

“…While the literature tells us quite a lot about the potential implications of such variation, it leaves considerable gaps in theorizing its causes-that is, in considering horizontal inequality as an outcome. Work on this has focused on distant origins-linked, in particular, with geography, colonialism and conquest, and historical institutions-alongside factors contributing to the persistence of inequalities thus constituted, over decades and centuries (Canelas and Gisselquist 2018). Migration and the movement of peoples in connection with settler colonialism, slavery, and conquest is a significant theme in this work.…”

“…These questions resonate in turn with a growing research literature on horizontal inequality between ethnic or cultural groups that highlights the dangers such inequality may pose for both peace and economic prosperity (Alesina et al 2016;Brown and Langer 2010;Cederman et al 2011;Stewart 2008). While this body of work deals extensively with the implications of horizontal inequality, it leaves considerable space for research into the factors influencing its variation (Canelas and Gisselquist 2018). International migration in particular is highlighted as a key source of new inequalities (Stewart 2016), but is largely undertheorized in this literature.…”

The dynamics of cooperation, power, and inequality in a group-structured society

“…Power struggles often lead to power inequality which then translates into economic inequality and other types of inequality. Horizontal inequality, which is inequality between different groups in the society, is an important topic of study in economics, sociology, social anthropology, and political science (Boix, 2010;Cederman et al, 2011;Stewart, 2011;Mattison et al, 2016;Canelas & Gisselquist, 2018;Houle et al, 2019). Horizontal inequality negatively affects economic efficiency (Alesina et al, 2016), the production of public goods (Baldwin & Huber, 2010) and government efficiency (Kyriacou, 2013), and it often leads to social instability and conflicts (Østby, 2013;Hillesund et al, 2018).…”