Ricos? Pobres? Uma análise da polarização da renda para o Brasil – 1981-2003

Abstract

This article analyzes the income polarization in Brazil for 1981 and 2003 based on Esteban, Gradin e Ray (2007). The polarization falls slightly in the period, following the trend of the Gini coefficient. However, the polarization level is higher in Brazil, if contrasted to other countries. The key determinant of this fact is the huge difference in average income of the considered groups. The article also presents non ad hoc definitions for upper, middle and lower income classes and shows that households with monthly per capita income over R$761,00 in 2003 belonged to upper class.