Differentiation of the Economic Space: Measurement, Significance, Consequences

Socio-economic systems are developing unevenly. This unevenness can vary over a wide range. On the one hand, differentiation can be determined by natural fluctuations of socio-economic indicators. On the other hand, differentiation can be so significant that it blocks development. In the latter case, special measures of state policy are required to reduce it. The objectives of the article are: to systematize the indicators and methods used to assess the level of social and economic differentiation; to assess the level of inequality and asymmetry in the modern economy; to propose measures to reduce the level of differentiation. Materials and methods. Official data from international and national statistics were used. For its processing standard statistical and mathematical methods were applied; when formulating conclusions and proposals, the expert method, forecasting and modeling tools are used. As a result of the research, the influence of differentiation of the economic space on the level and quality of life of the population is considered. The authors identified the positive and negative consequences of differentiation, described the indicators used for its measurement. An assessment of the unevenness of social and economic development at various levels of the hierarchy of socio-economic systems has been performed. As a result of the study, it was found that, in some cases, the uneven development not only does not decrease, but increases with time. This forms threats to the sustainability of development and blocks progress. The authors recommend more active use of special measures of state policy aimed at reducing the differentiation of the economic space.