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The objective of this paper is to review and attempt a synthesis of the relevant literature on growth versus poverty, and to analyze the causal link between the two phenomena. Research issues that drive our study are: Does economic growth tend to “raise all boats” as Kuznets (1955) pointed out? What is the role of the pattern of growth in the process of development? Which factor must we consider in designing appropriate pro-poor growth policies? This paper finds considerable variation in the poverty–reducing effectiveness of growth across time and authors. Also, our analysis speaks in favour of the fact that as growth occurs poverty reduces, no matter the level of inequality. Identically, similar growth pattern has different effects on poverty reduction. We conclude that growth is good for poverty alleviation but it is not enough. The extent to which growth reduces poverty depends upon how we measure poverty, and upon absorptive capacity of the poor, the pace and pattern of growth. In times when the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, “trickle-down” effect becomes a scenario that need to be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic Growth has been volatile in Pakistan; so is the case with poverty and inequality. It is a matter of great intellectual concern to know why growth has been pro-poor at some occasions of history in some specific regions while anti-poor in other areas. This paper disaggregates Poverty Equivalent Growth Rate (PEGR) at urban-rural sectors of Pakistan and across its provinces to measures growth pro-poorness in both relative and absolute terms from 2001 to 2012. Results show an overall counteracting effect of increased inequality on growth elasticity of poverty at national level but with significant regional contrast. Growth at urban level is found pro-poor (anti-poor) for all poverty measures in relative (absolute) term. This is contrary to the rural regions that experienced anti-poorness in both relative and absolute terms. Growth rate and degree of pro-poorness exhibited inverse relationship during different sub-periods. Sub-national PEGR analysis shows differential pattern of pro-poorness across regions and time. Growth proved relatively pro-poor in Balochistan and Sindh while it turned to be anti-poor in the Punjab and, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Though the relative pace of rural poverty reduction is found higher across different provinces, yet rural areas still markedly lagged behind their urban counterparts in terms of growth pro-poorness. This is suggesting relatively fewer growth gains to the rural poor across different regions of the country. A consistent doses of long term pro-poor and distributive policies through fiscal and monetary management can be a workable option to minimize the gap between the rich and the poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have long analyzed the persistence of Appalachian poverty in counties, but less is known about the dimensions of poverty at smaller geographic levels. This paper builds upon the concept of spatial inequality, which explains how socio-economic disadvantage is segregated across residential space based on race and class. I extend the study of spatial inequality to Appalachia by investigating how local poverty is stratified across the region. The literature suggests two historical processes that could lead to spatial stratification in Appalachia: (1) the concentration of local economic opportunity in county seat cities, and (2) historical economic development processes that emphasized growth and marginalized the most rural areas of the region. Therefore, I analyze whether distance to a county seat influences poverty rates in Appalachian neighborhoods. The results indicate that distance to a county seat has a curvilinear "U-shaped" relationship with poverty: the poorest neighborhoods, on average, are likely to be closest and farthest away from county seats. While data limitations exist, these findings emphasize the importance of place-based, subcounty initiatives for poverty alleviation in Appalachia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using three quinquennial rounds of consumption expenditure data over two decades (1993-2012), this paper estimates the extent of money metric poverty and inequality in regions of India. Regions are made comparable, and the poverty head count ratio and the poverty gap ratio for 81 regions are derived using the state specific poverty lines as recommended by the Planning Commission of India. The gini index, rich-poor ratio and regression analyses are used to understand the extent of economic inequality in regions of India. Results indicate that though the extent of poverty has declined, economic inequality has increased in regions of India. During 1993-2012, the poverty head count ratio had decreased in 70 regions, increased in seven regions and remained similar in four regions of India. The southern regions of Odisha and southern regions of Chhattisgarh are reeling under high persistent poverty. The spread in poverty head count ratio among regions has increased from 0.38 in 1993-1994 to 0.64 in 2011-2012 confirming divergence in regional poverty in India. The pattern is similar with respect to poverty gap ratio. Regions of Tripura and Sikkim had highest improvements in poverty level. On contrast to poverty estimates, the gini index has decreased in 20 regions and increased in 61 regions. Likewise, 57 regions have recorded increase in rich-poor ratio. The rich-poor ratio was higher in developed regions and lower in less developed regions. Based on these findings, we suggest that regions with persistently high poverty be accorded priority in poverty alleviation program and explore the factors leading to increasing economic inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study is designed to analyze relationship between poverty and health. It has been rightly said that poverty is a mother of all social evils. Poverty is a major social problem of Pakistan. It has adverse effects on health. For the study of this problem a survey method was used to collect data. A questionnaire was administrative in 35 villages of Taluka Manjhand. The related literature is carefully reviewed and incorporated in this paper. Results and conclusions are drawn from primary data which are presented in frequency and percentage based tables and diagrams are used to make data more understandable. On the basis of conclusion some suggestions are forwarded to improve the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel analysis about the capabilities of academic researchers and academic poverty. Adopting the capability approach, which Amartya Sen developed to address concerns such as poverty, inequality and development, we shift the focus of analysis and discussion around evaluating academic research and academics in the social sciences from measures of so-called 'quality', 'impact' or 'excellence' to the capabilities of academics. For us, the conceptualization and evaluation of academic research is a question about what academics have reasons to value, and about their ability to achieve valuable beings and doings. It is also about determining what might constitute academic poverty, and what academics are required to do in order to avoid that poverty. Relating our analysis to debates around universities, in particular about quasi-market pressures, we identify the possibility of basic capabilities in academic research, namely: the capabilities that are necessary to fulfill basic academic needs. Our proposition is that there is academic poverty when an academic researcher is not capable of fulfilling basic academic needs, such as: adhering to standards of coherence, robustness and rigour; searching for and disseminating the spirit of the truth. Moreover, if the academic has the capabilities to fulfill those basic academic needs and yet chooses not to do so, she renders herself in a state akin to academic poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper constitutes an attempt to determine the relative contribution of changes in economic growth and in the distribution of income to changes in poverty in Mexico. Our findings clearly indicate that growth with redistribution (lower income inequality) was the key to reducing poverty continuously and in an important manner during 2000–2006. However, after 2006, decreasing per-capita income, coupled with the persistently high inequality (Gini of 52%), caused the reversal of the favorable trend observed since 1996, raising poverty to pre-2002 levels. Consequently, it is argued that, for Mexico, a middle-income country exhibiting quite low growth rates and high inequality levels, the further improvement in its distribution of income and assets is essential if the economy is to succeed in making a real dent in poverty. For that purpose, the implementation of an active pro-poor growth policy should be strongly encouraged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The idea to find out if economic growth is pro-poor in Niger comes from the observation that despite good macroeconomic performance during the 2000s, poverty remains high. In this paper, two objectives are pursued. First, using an approach based on Kakwani et al. (2002), pro-poor growth is examined according to regional characteristics and place of residence. From the results obtained, it appears that overall economic growth is pro-poor Nigerien, except in cities (including Niamey) where growth seems to be pro-rich - the negative interference of inequality more than offset the positive effect of growth. Second, a simulation exercise is proposed to estimate the level of growth required to reduce poverty by 50 per cent, consistent with the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals. The study shows that Niger cannot achieve such a goal by maintaining a growth rate of 10.5 per cent, and only in 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present recent changes in the macroeconomic policy framework in Brazil and its effects on social policy, particularly with regard to poverty reduction. From 2003 onwards, a new pattern of economic growth prevails, reducing poverty and inequality on the grounds of domestic market expansion and low income groups consumption. This paper also outlines the remaining challenges for achieving social equity and inclusion, highlighting a major issue in the pending agenda: a progressive tax reform in order to leverage the financing of universal social policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we analyse economic development and growth through traditional measures (gross domestic product and human development index) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in Colombian departments over the period 1993–2007. We use a DEA model to measure and rank economic development and growth from different approaches such as poverty, equality and security. The results show considerable variation in efficiency scores across departments. A second-stage panel data analysis with fixed effects reveals that higher levels of economic activity, quality life, employment and security are associated with a higher efficiency score based on the standards of living, poverty, equality and security. All findings of this analysis should demonstrate that economic development and growth could be achieved most effectively through a decrease in poverty, an increase in equality, a reduction in violence, and improved security. This indicates the need to generate effective policies that guarantee the achievement of these elements in the interest of all members of society. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: This paper estimates trends in absolute poverty in urban China using the Chinese Household Income Project surveys. Poverty incidence curves are plotted, showing lower poverty in 2002 than in 1988 irrespective of the poverty line chosen. Incomes of the poorest fell during 1988–95, contributing to a rise in inequality. However, inequality has been fairly constant thereafter. Models of the determination of income and poverty reveal widening differentials by education, sex, and Communist Party membership. Income from government anti-poverty programs has little impact on poverty, which has fallen almost entirely due to overall economic growth rather than redistribution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

"Growth is good for the poor" is a ubiquitous statement and one generally backed by theory, research and history. In the long-run, growth reduces poverty. Yet, growth in output - per se - is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for poverty reduction in the short-term. The paper uses a number of parametric and non-parametric methodologies to assess the relation between growth and poverty in Kazakhstan, a country that experienced rapid growth and poverty reduction in the short-term. Combining macro and micro regional data, we find a very small trickle down effect of output growth on household incomes and no evidence that output growth is correlated with poverty reduction. We find instead that pro-poor growth in household income explains well poverty reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Madagascar, l'ampleur des inegalites entre milieux urbain et rural necessite de mettre en œuvre des politiques de developpement ciblees sur le milieu rural. En s'interessant a l'analyse de la diversification des activites, l'article tend a demontrer que la seule relance de la croissance en milieu rural (par une hausse des rendements agricoles et un desenclavement) est susceptible de n'avoir qu'un impact limite sur la pauvrete persistante. En effet, tous les menages n'ont pas la possibilite de profiter des opportunites nouvelles offertes par la croissance et les menages les plus demunis, caracterises par des ressources limitees, risquent d'etre durablement exclus. L'analyse montre que les menages les moins bien dotes en ressources sont incapables de mettre en œuvre les formes de diversification des activites qui protegent de la pauvrete et sont au contraire contraints a s'engager dans des formes de diversifications associees a la pauvrete durable. In Madagascar, the inequality gap between urban and rural areas requires the implementation of rural-specific development policies. By analysing the diversification of activities, this paper strives to demonstrate that only reviving growth in rural areas (through an increase of agricultural yields and opening up the area) would have a limited impact on the persisting poverty. In fact, not all households have the possibility to take advantage of new opportunities provided by growth and the most deprived households, which have limited resources, risk being excluded permanently. The analysis shows that the households with fewer resources are incapable of implementing the forms of activity diversification that protect from poverty and on the contrary are constrained to engage in forms of diversification associated with permanent poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite success in reducing poverty over the last twenty years, inequality in Chile has remained virtually unchanged, making Chile one of the least equal countries in the world. High levels of inequality have been shown to hamper further reductions in poverty as well as economic growth and local inequality has been shown to affect such outcomes as violence and health. The study of inequality at the local level is thus crucial for understanding the economic well-being of a country. Local measures of inequality have been difficult to obtain, but recent theoretical advances have enabled the combination of survey and census data to obtain estimators of inequality that are robust at disaggregated geographic levels. In this paper, we employ this methodology to produce consistent estimators of inequality for every county in Chile. We find a great deal of variation in inequality, with county-level Gini coefficients ranging from 0.41 to 0.63. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Debate over the nature of South African society has continued through the first decade of democratic government, including the question of a 'First' and a 'Second' economy. This paper focuses on the numbers and characteristics of those who might fit into the 'Second'. The data examined suggest that both poverty and inequality have increased in South Africa since 1993, while also suggesting the presence of poverty traps that may hinder mobility and prevent individuals getting ahead despite the dramatic economic and political reforms since 1994. We estimate that some 6.2 million could be described as belonging to the 'Second' economy. However, we argue that there is more to the relationship between those who are marginalised and those who are benefiting from South Africa's achievement than a dualistic and disarticulated 'First' and 'Second' economy. Linkages of inclusion and exclusion determine the size, characteristics and future of the two economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses crosscountry data and country-case studies to analyze trends in poverty, inequality and economic growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Compared to other regions, the MENA region has a low incidence of poverty and income inequality. Two factors account for this situation: international migration/remittances and public sector (government) employment. Since the early 1980s international migration to the Persian Gulf and Europe has helped boost the incomes of the poor in the Middle East. At the same time, many MENA countries have used government employment as a means of keeping people employed and out of poverty. Regression analysis of crosscountry data shows that both of these factors have a statistically significant impact on reducing the level and depth of poverty in the MENA region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Why are some societies healthier than others? The consensus in development economics is that the health achievement of nations has to do with their levels of economic development. Higher per capita incomes, through steady and stable economic growth, increase a nation's capacity to purchase the necessary economic goods and services that promote health. In this paper, we review the conceptual and empirical linkages between poverty and poor health in both developing and developed countries. The empirical evidence is overwhelming that poverty, measured at the level of societies as well as individuals, is causally related to poor health of societies and individuals, respectively. Recent macroeconomic research has also drawn attention to the role of health as a form of human capital that is vital for achieving economic stability. In particular, attention has been drawn toward the ways in which unhealthy societies impede the process of economic development. However, the reciprocal connection between economic prosperity and improved health is neither automatic nor universal. Other features of society, such as the equality in the distribution of the national wealth, seem to matter as well for improving average population health and especially for reducing inequalities in health. We conclude by arguing for a need to reexamine the way in which health is conceptualized within the macroeconomic development framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria is perhaps the most blessed country in Africa, in terms of its abundant mineral resources, agricultural and forest resources, distinctively more favourable climatic conditions and highly diverse human resources. These factors, alongside its overwhelmingly increasing population for foreign investment potentially and strategically put the responsibility of economic development on Nigeria, with its citizens expected to live not below the average standard of living. It is paradoxical however, that most Nigerians are poor. This study reviewed trends in poverty level in Nigeria from 1980-2014, examined the causes of poverty and inequality in Nigeria, evaluated Nigeria's potentials for a post-2015 development agenda, evaluated the level of satisfaction with the implementation of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as the desirability level for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study found corruption, weak institution and poor governance; unemployment and underemployment; and high population growth as the major causes of poverty and inequality in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses reports released in Scotland, "Taking Forward the Government Economic Strategy: A Discussion Paper on Tackling Poverty, Equality and Deprivation in Scotland," released by the government and "Poverty in Scotland" and "Child Poverty in Scotland," released by the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee. The first report tackled sustainable economic growth and prevention of poverty. The second focused on anti-poverty while the third report suggested that child poverty is better addressed in Scotland than in Great Britain.