But income gaps are widening for poor countries isolated from the world economy. Angus Maddison, Monitoring the World Economy 1820-1992 . Gap between Rich and Poor People. Nor is it true that growth leaves poor people behind. The effect of growth on income of the poor is no different in poor countries than rich countries.
International trade benefits the poor as it does the overall economy.
The rise of the top decile of United States income earners in the 1990's is not representative of the world economy. Per Capita Income is Highly Correlated with Economic Freedom. The Heritage Foundation defines economic freedom in terms of trade, taxation, government regulation, foreign investment, and similar indicators. Many indicators are hallmarks of a pro-globalization attitude. Quality of Life and Income.