Economic growth and development · Part 2

 Table shows that on an average dictatorial regimes have had a slightly better record of economic growth. But when we compare their record only in poor countries, there is virtually no difference.  Table shows that within democracies there can be very high degree of inequalities. In democratic countries like South Africa and Brazil, the top per cent people take away more than per cent of the national income, leaving less than per cent for the bottom per cent population. Countries like Denmark and Hungary are much better in this respect.  You can see in the cartoon, there is often inequality of opportunities available to the poorer sections. What would be your verdict on democracy if you had to base it purely on economic performance of democratic regimes in terms of growth and equal distribution? Table Rates of economic growth for different countries, – Table Inequality of income in selected countries Type of regimes and countries Growth Rate All democratic regimes . All dictatorial regimes . Poor countries under dictatorship . Poor countries under democracy . Name of the Countries % share of national income Top % Bottom % South Africa . . Brazil . . Russia . . USA . . United Kingdom . . Denmark . . Hungary . . Source: A Przeworski, M E Alvarez, J A Cheibub and F Limongi, Democracy and Development: Political Institutions and Well-Being in the World, - . Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, . Poor Kids