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Global poverty and inequality : a review of the evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Ferreira, Francisco H.G.
  • Ravallion, Martin
Abstract
Drawing on a compilation of data from household surveys representing 130 countries, many over a period of 25 years, this paper reviews the evidence on levels and recent trends in global poverty and income inequality. It documents the negative correlations between both poverty and inequality indices, on the one hand, and mean income per capita on the other. It points to the dominant role of Asia in accounting for the bulk of the world's poverty reduction since 1981. The evolution of global inequality in the last decades is also described, with special emphasis on the different trends of inequality within and between countries. The statistical relationships between growth, inequality and poverty are discussed, as is the correlation between inequality and the growth elasticity of poverty reduction. Some of the recent literature on the drivers of distributional change in developing countries is also reviewed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferreira, Francisco H.G. & Ravallion, Martin, 2008. "Global poverty and inequality : a review of the evidence," Policy Research Working Paper Series 4623, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:4623
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    Inequality; Achieving Shared Growth; Services&Transfers to Poor; Population Policies; Poverty Impact Evaluation;
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