Ricardian Equivalence states that, under certain circumstances and for a given path of expenditures, the substitution of debt for taxes does not affect private sector wealth and consumption. Ricardian Equivalence is based on the premise that debt financing is only a change in the timing of...

This study investigates the relationship between conspicuous consumption and inequality in the United States by doing text mining in Google searches for luxury and comfort goods. The findings reveal a strong correlation between the pursuit of luxury items and levels of income inequality in...