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Equity, efficiency and inequality traps: A research agenda

Author

Listed:
  • François Bourguignon

    (Banque Mondiale - Banque Mondiale)

  • Francisco Ferreira

    (Banque Mondiale - Banque Mondiale)

  • Michael Walton

    (John F. Kennedy School of Government - Harvard University)

Abstract

This paper discusses a research agenda that arises from unanswered questions and unresolved issues considered in the World Bank's World Development Report 2006: Equity and Development. After formalizing the key concepts of equity; equality of opportunity; and efficiency, and proposing a definition for an equitable development policy, the paper discusses the concept of inequality traps, around which the research agenda is structured. Four broad groups of research questions are highlighted: those revolving around the measurement of inequality of opportunity and the diagnostics for the existence of an inequality trap; those dealing with the causes of inequality traps; the quantification of their efficiency costs; and those related to how institutions (including governments) evolve to overcome inequality traps.

Suggested Citation

  • François Bourguignon & Francisco Ferreira & Michael Walton, 2007. "Equity, efficiency and inequality traps: A research agenda," Post-Print halshs-00754212, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00754212
    DOI: 10.1007/s10888-006-9042-8
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