Pursuing Equitable Economic Growth in the Global South

Abstract

Economic growth is not an inherently equitable process. It has become clear that certain groups of society are more consistently capable of reaping the benefits of economic growth and that much of the interpersonal and territorial inequality that is especially pervasive in the Global South is attributable to the pursuit and achievement of economic growth in the absence of sufficient concern for notions of equity. This awareness has invigorated an interest in the development of a more comprehensive understanding of what more equitable, inclusive economic growth might entail and how it can be achieved. This chapter provides a multifaceted exploration of the notion of equitable economic growth with a specific focus on the Global South. Firstly, it proposes a holistic, employment-oriented conceptualization of equitable economic growth. Secondly, it offers basic insights into the operationalization of equitable economic growth and the suitability of different strategic approaches for its pursuit and achievement.