Gender-Based Attitudes toward Income Inequality in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sustainable economic growth and development are generally associated with a harmonious society, where achievements from national economic growth benefit most, if not all, people. However, income inequality appears to exist regardless of the level of a country’s economic growth. As such, attitudes toward income inequality and its determinants in the process of achieving a harmonious society have attracted great attention from policy makers around the globe. However, the issue has not been thoroughly investigated in emerging markets. In addition, gender-based attitudes have largely been ignored. This study is conducted to examine attitudes toward income inequality in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on gender. The sample comprises 19 emerging and advanced countries, for which data were available. Various scenarios in relation to gender and income levels are considered. Findings from this study indicate that both emerging and advanced countries in the region have gender-based attitudes toward income inequality. In particular, social class appears to be a key and fundamental determinant across all countries in the region, especially in emerging markets, regardless of income level.