The welfare state and income distribution. A comparative study of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Abstract:
The (unequal) distribution of income and the problem of financial poverty have always been recognised as important policy matters in western welfare states. Using microdata (Luxembourg Income Study, PSID-GSOEP Equivalent Data File 1983-1994, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, German Socio-Economic Panel) this study aims to compare and explain the distributive outcomes of taxation and income transfer policies in the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany.