Economic Inequality and Poverty: Facts, Methods, and Policies

Economic Inequality and Poverty is a comprehensive book that examines the development of inequality and poverty, focusing on income inequality and poverty measurements and their relationships. It uses household surveys to illustrate its framework and demonstrate its importance in drawing evidence-based policy conclusions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Over the past fifty years, the issues of economic inequality and poverty have gained significant prominence in public discourse. The field of measuring economic inequality and poverty has witnessed a remarkable expansion, leading to the development of numerous innovative methods while also sparking numerous controversies. In Economic Inequality and Poverty, the authors offer a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of inequality and poverty, with a particular emphasis on the recent advancements in income inequality and poverty measurements. The book's primary objective is to analyze the intricate relationships between the distributions of economic variables among individuals and households. These relationships hold immense significance in understanding a wide range of economic phenomena. To illustrate the practical application of their framework, Kakwani and Son utilize household surveys, showcasing the importance of evidence-based policy conclusions.

The authors begin by providing a historical overview of the development of inequality and poverty measurement. They trace the evolution of these concepts from early theories to contemporary approaches, highlighting the contributions of various scholars and economists. The book also delves into the methodological challenges associated with measuring economic inequality and poverty. It discusses the limitations of traditional measures, such as income and consumption, and explores the use of alternative indicators, such as the Human Development Index.

Furthermore, Economic Inequality and Poverty examines the empirical evidence on the relationship between economic inequality and poverty. The authors analyze various datasets and studies to assess the impact of income inequality on social outcomes, such as health, education, and social mobility. They also explore the relationship between poverty and other factors, such as gender, race, and geography.

The book concludes by proposing several approaches to resolving some of the methodological and factual conflicts in measuring economic inequality and poverty. The authors advocate for a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these issues, recognizing the importance of considering various dimensions of inequality, such as income, wealth, and power. They also suggest the use of mixed methods and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance the accuracy and reliability of measurement.

Overall, Economic Inequality and Poverty is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of economic inequality and poverty. The book provides a comprehensive treatment of the development of inequality and poverty, offering insights into the relationships between individuals and households distributions of economic variables. By employing a rigorous analytical framework and empirical evidence, the authors contribute to our understanding of these critical issues and provide valuable recommendations for addressing them.

Weight: 1060g
Dimension: 252 x 179 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198852841