Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia

Aspirations of Singapore Islamic Old Fractures, New FrontiersStudies Graduates and the Challenges

Lee Hwok Aun, Christopher Choong

• Publisher: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
• Year: 2021
• eBook ISBN: 9789814951210
• Topic: Economics
• Subtopic: Development Economics
• Index: Economics

Inequality is a defining global issue of our times. Southeast Asia stands out in some ways; the 2010s have seen most countries in the region reduce income gaps. Nonetheless, inequality levels remain high, especially in the middle-income to high-income countries, and popular disaffection and economic anxiety prevail, even while official statistics may paint more buoyant scenarios. The age-old problem of group-based exclusion in the development process manifests in new ways. This book provides up-to-date overviews of inequality levels and trends, primarily related to income, but also wealth and other socio-economic variables pertaining to education and health. The country chapters also examine salient themes of inequality, especially structural changes and public policies to redress inequality and exclusion, labour market developments, population groups, regional dynamics, and informal economies. We gain an appreciation for the unique conditions and diverse experiences of each country, and draw comparative insights across the region. "This is an impressive collection of papers written by scholars from Southeast Asia and addressing an important set of issues which deserve serious attention from policymakers. Inequality and social exclusion are problems which never seem to go away, even in the high-income countries, and this collection will be valuable for all those seeking to understand how serious the situation is in eight Southeast Asian states. The editors are to be congratulated on bringing together such a timely book."Anne Booth, Emeritus Professor of Economics, School of Oriental and African Studies"This compilation of recent research on Southeast Asian economic inequalities by Lee and Choong underscores the rapid progress being made. The authors from the region underscore the global shift in research and policy attention in this century. Reflecting data and methodological diversity, the book variedly captures some 'intersectionality' of inequalities beyond the old focus on interpersonal and household income distribution."Jomo KS, Fellow, Academy of Science, Malaysia"In societies across the world, rising inequality has become a critical issue over the past generation. Besides basic issues of justice, inequality between people obstructs the collective decision-making needed for societies to progress. This book is the most comprehensive study of inequality in Southeast Asia. It stresses that each society is different, but the solutions are common—good data, proper understanding, multidimensional approaches, strong institutions and popular agency."Pasuk Phongpaichit, Emeritus Professor, Chulalongkorn University

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• 1. Introduction: Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia by Lee Hwok Aun and Christopher Choong
• 2. Cambodia’s Experiences in Addressing Inequality by Piseth Keo and Vannarith Chheang
• 3. Inequality and Exclusion in Post-Soeharto Indonesia by Mohammad Zulfan Tadjoeddin
• 4. Inequality and Exclusion in Malaysia: Macro Trends, Labour Market Dynamics and Gender Dimensions by Lee Hwok Aun and Christopher Choon
• 5. Inequality in Myanmar: Structural Change, Policy Outcomes and Gender DimensionsNgu Wah Win, Zaw Oo, Jana Rue Glutting, Aung Htun and S. Kanayde
• 6. Structural Inequality in the Philippines: Oligarchy, Economic Transformation and Current Challenges to Development by Philip Arnold Tuaño and Jerik Cruz
• 7. Inequality and the Social Compact in Singapore: Macro Trends vs Lived Inequalities by Nathan Peng
• 8. Inequality in Thailand: Income, Socio-economic and Wealth Dimensions by Vimut Vanitcharearnthum
• 9. Trends and Drivers of Inequality in Vietnam by Trang Huyen Dang, Cuong Viet Nguyen and Tung Duc Phung
• 10. Conclusion: Old Frontiers, New Fractures by Lee Hwok Aun and Christopher Choong
• Index