An assessment about the relationship between educational inequality and economic growth in Brazilian Northeast region

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the impact of education inequality on the income of formal workers in Northeast Brazil. For this study, we analyzed the data collected from censuses data and estimate a dynamic panel data model. Statistical analyses were performed by using the quasi-maximum likelihood linear dynamic panel data estimation, an approach that produce consistent estimates with large n and small T. We found a negative and statistically significant impact of education inequality on economic growth, which is convergent with the literature that advocates that an unequal distribution of education reduces growth. Our results suggest that economic policies should be targeted not only more at education but also more equal access to education.