Description

While Asia's growth record in recent decades has been remarkable, there is growing concern that the benefits have not been equitably shared. Poverty remains high despite the recent decline and inequality is increasing. Recognizing the potentially negative social, economic, and political consequences of these trends, more and more Asian countries are adopting inclusive growth as the goal of development policy.

This book presents selected studies on inclusive growth carried out at the Asian Development Bank. It looks at recent trends of income and non-income inequalities and poverty in the region; discusses the underlying driving forces; examines the concept of inclusive growth; and provides in-depth analysis of key policy pillars of an inclusive growth strategy, including employment, access to public services, social protection, and governance and institutions. The book also includes six country studies presenting rich information on growth, poverty, and inequality dynamics in the People's Republic of China, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Reviews

"Asia’s governments understand that growing inequality threatens stability and future prospects, but are struggling to find ways to promote better distribution without distorting economic incentives. This book is a thoughtful and scholarly presentation of the issues and solutions, and offers a way through the policy maze. It is a practical response to Asian 'suffering,' and a welcome balance to the growing number of books celebrating 'shining' Asia." - Homi Kharas, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Wolfensohn Center for Development, Brookings Institution

"Building on an innovative conceptual framework that sees inclusive growth as economic growth coupled with declining inequality of opportunity, the authors capably address measurement and policy design questions. The book should be essential reading for scholars, students, and practitioners of recent social and economic development in Asia." - Francisco H. G. Ferreira, Deputy Chief Economist for Latin America, The World Bank

"This book presents a compelling case for making growth more inclusive in Asia and a unique view of key elements of an inclusive growth strategy for the region." - Justin Yifu Lin, Chief Economist, The World Bank

"How to make economic growth work to the benefit of a wide group of citizens is one of the central challenges of economic development. This book contains important analysis and insights into how this challenge can be met. It will be of interest to both researchers and policy makers." - Timothy Besley, Kuwait Professor of Economics and Political Science, London School of Economics and Political Science

"This volume presents a comprehensive and thorough discussion of the extent and patterns of poverty and inequality in developing Asia, examines the concept and empirical dimensions of inclusive growth for the region, and draws policy implications for countries and international agencies. It is a valuable guide for researchers and practitioners alike." - Ravi Kanbur, T.H. Lee Professor of World Affairs, International Professor of Applied Economics, Professor of Economics, Cornell University

"This anthology provides a comprehensive study of poverty, inequality, and economic growth in Asia....[It] will be useful for advanced students in economic development and Asian studies and also to policy makers in developing countries." - Choice

Contents

• Preface
• Contributors
• Poverty, Inequality, and Inclusive Growth in Asia
• Measuring Inequality and Poverty
  • Inequality and Poverty in Asia
  • Non-Income Poverty and Inequality in Asia
  • Gender Equality and Inclusive Growth in Asia
• Selected Policy Issues for Inclusive Growth
  • Inclusive Growth through Full Employment: The Role of Investment and Industrial Policy
  • Why is Access to Basic Services Not Inclusive?
  • Social Protection in Asia
  • Governance and Institutional Quality and the Links with Growth and Inequality: How Asia Fares
• Country Studies
  • Growth, Inequality, and the Labor Market: The Philippines
  • Poverty and Inequality in Nepal: An Empirical Analysis
  • Decomposing Income Inequality: People's Republic of China, 1990-2005
  • Evolution of Income Mobility: People's Republic of China, 1991-2002
  • Occupational Segregation and Gender Discrimination in Labor Markets: Thailand and Viet Nam
  • Inclusiveness through Food Security: The Philippines' National Food Program
• Index