Flutuações Econômicas e Mudanças Distributivas nos Salários: Uma Avaliação dos Efeitos Composição e Estrutural no Brasil

Abstract

This study examines the distributive changes in wages during the economic fluctuations that occurred in Brazil. The analysis focuses on three distinct periods of quarterly GDP variations, identified by the Economic Cycle Dating Committee (CODACE). These periods include a phase of economic growth (2009-2014), a phase of negative average growth (2014-2016), and a phase of low economic growth (2017-2019). Despite the differing characteristics of these periods, the results indicate that wage inequality was primarily influenced by the structural effect in all three, linked to workers’ and sectors’ characteristics, with education playing a key role. Specific sectors, such as Agriculture and Education, had a significant impact on reducing or containing the rise in inequality. The findings highlight the importance of education and sectoral policies in mitigating the effects of economic crises.