Income inequality increased in most, but not all OECD countries
Inequality increased in most countries over the long term, but recently fell in some high-inequality countries
The integration of trade and financial markets and technological progress grew rapidly, especially from the mid-1990s
Product and labour market regulations and institutions became weaker
Levels of earnings inequality are much higher when part-timers and self-employed are accounted for
Hours worked declined more among lower-wage workers
Demographic changes were less important than labour market trends in explaining changes in household earnings distribution
Capital income became a greater source of household income, but mainly in rich households
Market incomes are distributed much more unequally than net incomes
While market income inequality rose, redistribution through tax/transfers became less effective in many countries
In-kind benefits from public services are redistributive in all OECD countries
The share of top incomes increased, especially in English-speaking countries
Household incomes increased faster at the top
Trends in technology, policies and education were the key drivers of changes in wage inequality and employment in the OECD area
Trends in different income inequality measures