EVOLUÇÃO DA DESIGUALDADE DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DA RENDA E POBREZA NO ESTADO DO PIAUÍ: PERÍODO DE 1984 A 1996*

Abstract

The evolution of inequality income distribution and poverty measurements in the state of Piauí is analyzed using data on economically active persons published by the IBGE for the 1984-1990 period, 1992, 1993, 1995 and 1996. The functional relationships between poverty, inequality and average income and between poverty, inequality, inflation and minimum wage are analysed. Income distribution inequality and poverty have followed the Brazilian economic cycle. Inequality in the State of Piauí increased from 1984 to 1989, except for 1986 (Cruzado Plan), and tended to decrease in the 90’s, the Gini index approaching the indexes of the Northeast region and of Brazil. The high proportion of poor still characterizes the State thus, confirming that the insufficient income of economically active people is the most critical problem, a sign that compensatory measures must be implemented in order to reverse such scenario.