Theoretical models of the Kuznets Curve have been purely analytical with little contribution
towards an understanding of the timing of the process and the presence of additional
mechanisms affecting its timing. This paper proposes an agent-based version of Acemoglu
and Robinson's model of the Kuznets Curve. In extending their analytical framework we
include heterogeneity of agents' income and a mating mechanism that together represent
elements of social mobility. These two simple changes proved to be enough to shed light on …

Theoretical models of the Kuznets Curve have been purely analytical with little contribution
to the timing of the process and to the presence of additional mechanisms affecting its
timing. This paper proposes an agent-based version of Acemoglu and Robinsons model of
the political economy of the Kuznets Curve. In extending their analytical framework we
include heterogeneity of agents' income and a mating mechanism that together represent
elements of social mobility. These two simple changes proved to be enough to shed light on …