Full Citation

Title: Regional Income Convergence in Appalachia: Exploring the Factors of Regional Economic Growth in a Transitioning Economy

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2015

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: 10.1353/sgo.2015.0015

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: Coming out of neo-classical growth theory, convergence theory suggests that regional differences in income will decrease over time. Studied in a variety of frameworks, there is evidence that convergence occurs, though conditioned upon regional economic capacities and participation in the larger neo-classical economy. Within the United States, convergence evidence is present at the national and sub-national levels. Of particular interest in this process is Appalachia, a region understood to have taken a peripheral role to the larger neo-classical economy, and not subject to convergence. Recent work suggests the possibility of convergence and movement towards a neo-classical growth process, though the evidence is mixed and indirect. This paper tests for convergence in Appalachia and the influence of neo-classical and Appalachian-specific growth factors. Results indicate convergence and a movement of the Appalachian economy away from a core-periphery structure to a more neo-classical process largely driven by industrial structure and human capital.

Url: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/southeastern_geographer/v055/55.2.james.pdf

User Submitted?: No

Authors: James, Ryan D; James, Autumn C

Periodical (Full): Southeastern Geographer

Issue: 2

Volume: 55

Pages: 164-191

Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS

Topics: Methodology and Data Collection

Countries: United States