This study analyses the link between privatisation reforms and income inequality on a sample of 25 European countries between 2003 and 2013. Previous literature has related privatisations with the level of poverty, welfare, and well-being of population, but findings regarding income inequality are scarce, especially in the European context. The empirical results of this study suggest a positive link between both topics, for different indicators of privatisation and inequality. Concretely, findings suggest that income inequality is higher in countries that have resorted to privatisation reforms to a greater extent. Then, social consequences should be considered when evaluating regulatory reform, such as privatisation.

本研究分析了 2003 年至 2013 年间 25 个欧洲国家的样本私有化改革与收入不平等之间的联系。 以前的文献将私有化与人口的贫困、福利和福祉水平联系起来，但关于收入不平等的发现很少，尤其是在欧洲背景下。本研究的实证结果表明，对于私有化和不平等的不同指标，这两个主题之间存在积极联系。具体而言，调查结果表明，在更大程度上诉诸私有化改革的国家中，收入不平等程度更高。然后，在评估监管改革（例如私有化）时应考虑社会后果。