Abstract

Since independence in 1962, Jamaica has witnessed changes in the physical and human capital stocks, taxation policies, production technology, household structure and even the general economic system. The percentage of illiterate population declined from 16 percent in 1960 to less than 5 percent by the late 70's and per capita disposable income (nominal) has more than doubled (The Statistical Institute, 1982). Bauxite and sugar, both major sources of foreign exchange, are in economic difficulty caused by declining world prices of aluminum and sugar. These and many other factors, including changes in political institutions in Jamaica, may have resulted in a redistribution of income among households since 1960.