Distribution Of Wealth Research Articles

Poverty induced inequality in nutrition among children born during 2010–2021 in India

Introduction Almost two-fifth of the children in India is stunted and among various factors, poverty differential in child undernutrition is the largest. Using the latest population-based survey of National Family Health Survey, 2015–16 and 2019–21 this paper examined the poverty induced inequality in child stunting across the sub-populations of India. Methods A sample of 213,136 children aged between 0–5 years from NFHS fourth round and 98,222 children in the same age group from the NFHS fifth round constitute the study sample. The wealth index is used as the proxy of household’s economic wellbeing and height-for-age (HAZ) z-score of a child is used to identify the stunting status of the child. Box plots are drawn to understand the distributional characteristics of the HAZ score for both the study sample. We calculate the Erreygers corrected concentration index and decomposed the concentration indices using Gonzalo-Almorox and Urbanos-Garrido method. Results During 2015–16, more than half of the children from the poorest wealth quintile were stunted (52%), compared to 22% among the children from richest wealth quintile. In 2015–16, stunting was as high as 65% among the children of mothers with low stature (height less than 145 cm) and from the poorest wealth quintile whereas, the prevalence was observed 56% from the same sub-population during 2019–21. Among various factors, the concentration index of stunting was observed highest among the children of 36–47 months (-0.28) followed by children of age 48–59 months (-0.27) and among the fully immunized children (-0.25). Similar to NFHS-4, NFHS-5 also shows a predominantly higher socio-economic inequality among 24+ months children and among the fully immunised children. Factors like child age, birth order and sanitation showed positive elasticity. Decomposition analysis of NFHS-4 data shows that due to uneven distribution of wealth, mother’s education as a determinant of child stunting solely explained 33% of the overall inequality followed by improved access to sanitation (24%), mother’s height (8%) and place of residence (5%). Similar to NFHS-4, NFHS-5 data also shows that mother’s education, sanitation, mother’s height and place of residence predominantly contributes to the overall wealth inequality in child stunting. Conclusions In India, poverty differential in child undernutrition is acute among the different sub-population of children. And the concentration of stunted children is higher among the different sub-population with higher wealth poverty. Mother’s education, improved sanitation and mother’s height explained larger variation in the overall inequalities in child nutrition across India.

The economics of pandemics: Some useful lessons from the past

The mortality crisis induced by historical pandemics has had relevant effects. It expressed a regulatory role in the balance between population and available resources. It reduced the human capital available to work, making greater its bargaining capacity, resulting in an increase in wages. The disappearance of some of the landowners favoured a process of unification of landed properties and a concentration of wealth. The regulatory function of economic processes fostered by the mortality crisis is attenuated with the start of the Industrial Revolution, to the point of almost extinguishing itself in today's pandemic crisis. This notwithstanding, the strategies to combat mortality impose high economic costs and intervene to alter the functionality of a globalized economy. Pandemics continue to represent an element of caesura between historical periods, with a clear distinction between a before and an after. This article describes past pandemics and identifies possible lessons that can be drawn in the economic field from those events, being aware of how distant our connected and globalized world is from those times. Covid-19 has so far caused the deaths of more than two million people. In relative terms the figure is very low in comparison to previous pandemics. The much lower mortality is matched by an incomparable economic damage.

Childhood socioeconomic position relates to adult decision-making: Evidence from a large cross-cultural investigation

Early exposure to poverty may have profound and enduring impacts on developmental trajectories over the lifespan. This study investigated potential links between childhood socioeconomic position, recent economic change, and temporal discounting in a large international cohort (N = 12,951 adults from 61 countries). Temporal discounting refers to the tendency to prefer smaller immediate rewards over larger rewards delivered after a delay, and connects to consequential outcomes including academic achievement, occupational success, and risk-taking behaviors. Consistent with multiple theories about the impacts of stress exposure, individuals who reported lower socioeconomic positions in childhood exhibited greater temporal discounting in adulthood compared to peers who did not. Furthermore, an interaction emerged between childhood socioeconomic position and recent economic change, such that the steepest temporal discounting was found among those from lower childhood socioeconomic positions who also recently experienced negative economic change as a result of the COVID pandemic. These associations remained significant even when accounting for potentially confounding factors like education level and current employment. Findings provide new evidence that childhood socioeconomic position relates to greater temporal discounting and steeper devaluation of future rewards later in adulthood, particularly in response to contemporaneous economic change. This suggests childhood socioeconomic position may have longer-term impacts on developmental trajectories. Speculatively, childhood socioeconomic position may shape adult behavior through increased life stress, diminished access to resources, and lower perceived trust and reliability in social systems. These findings underscore the long-term implications of socioeconomic gaps, cycles of disadvantage and economic marginalization.

From interacting agents to Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution of money

Abstract We investigate the unbiased model for money exchanges: agents give at random time a dollar to one another (if they have one). Surprisingly, this dynamics eventually leads to a geometric distribution of wealth (shown empirically by Dragulescu and Yakovenko, and rigorously by several follow-up papers). We prove a uniform-in-time propagation of chaos result as the number of agents goes to infinity, which links the stochastic dynamics to a deterministic infinite system of ordinary differential equations. This deterministic description is then analyzed by taking advantage of several entropy–entropy dissipation inequalities and we provide a quantitative almost-exponential rate of convergence toward the equilibrium (geometric distribution) in relative entropy.

The effect of subsidized flood insurance on real estate markets

AbstractSubsidized insurance against extreme weather events improves affordability among households in at‐risk areas but it can weaken the risk signal via property prices. Leveraging a granular data set of all property transactions and flood events in England, we study the effects of a reinsurance scheme that lowers insurance premiums for at‐risk properties. We document that the introduction of this scheme increases prices and transaction volumes of flood‐prone properties. This fully offsets the negative direct effects of flooding on property prices, with high‐income areas and high‐value properties benefiting relatively more. Our findings speak to the debate on climate adaptation policies and their consequences for wealth distribution.

Wealth maximisation and residential energy-efficiency retrofits: Insights from a real options model

The slow adoption of residential energy-efficiency retrofits continues to hamper the energy transition. We study incentives for adoption by proposing a model of optimal investment under uncertainty where the wealth-maximising agent has the option to delay. Stochastic portfolio returns and energy prices are taken into account. An extension of the model where the energy carrier is switched, e.g. from gas to electricity, is also considered. Exercise boundaries for the optimal stopping problem are estimated numerically for recent case studies of German buildings. Investment is generally not optimal at current energy prices and market conditions. Increasing correlation between gas and electricity prices erodes the value of technology switching. Comparative statics reveal that energy-efficiency investments become optimal at relatively lower energy prices as wealth, income, and savings behaviour increase, and portfolio drift and volatility decrease. Consequently, incentive to invest in retrofits is far more heterogeneous along wealth dimensions than standard discounted cash flow analyses suggest. An examination of retrofit subsidies demonstrates how free-riding by wealthier agents occurs when subsidies are not appropriately targeted. We also show that the pursuit of economic efficiency in subsidy design might have regressive effects on the wealth distribution.

Cross-National Trends in Adolescents Psychological and Somatic Complaints Before and After the Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeBuilding on research suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic may have led to an exacerbation of deteriorating trends in mental health among adolescents, this paper examined trends in adolescents' psychological and somatic complaints across 35 countries from 2010 to 2022, and tested trends in sociodemographic inequalities in these outcomes between 2018 and 2022. MethodsUsing data from 792,606 adolescents from 35 countries (51% girls; mean age = 13.5; standard deviation 1.6) across four Health Behaviour in School-aged Children surveys (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022), hierarchical multilevel models estimated cross-national trends in adolescent psychological and somatic complaints. We tested whether observed values in 2022 were in line with predicted values based on 2010–2018 linear trends. Finally, moderation effects of age, family affluence, and family structures on the outcomes were tested (2018–2022). ResultsBoth girls and boys showed substantially higher levels of psychological complaints in 2022 compared with the predicted values. For somatic complaints, higher levels than predicted in 2022 were observed only in girls. Moderation analyses revealed an increase from 2018 to 2022 in age gaps and a narrowing in the socioeconomic gap for both outcomes. Also, there was a widening gap between adolescents living with 2 parents and those living in a single parent household in 2022 compared to 2018. DiscussionCross-national increases in adolescent psychological and somatic complaints were higher than expected in 2022, based on previous trends. Magnitudes of change varied across different sociodemographics groups, with implications for pre-existing mental health inequalities.

Disruption of Pastoral Nomadism: The Impacts of Russian Colonialism on the Kazakh Steppe during the 19ᵗʰ and 20ᵗʰ Centuries

This study examines the multifaceted impacts of Russian colonization on the Kazakh Steppes during the 19ᵗʰ and 20ᵗʰ centuries. The colonization process caused significant destruction in various fields in the region, including migration routes, livestock herds, socioeconomic life, trade networks, housing and dietary patterns of nomadic communities. Russian expansionism, aimed at establishing control over the steppe, led to the blockage of ancient migration routes and the restriction of nomadic economic resources. The blockage of migration routes, forced transition to capitalism, forced sedentarization and interaction with sedentary life transformed the livestock herds of the nomads. Socio-economic life and trade were restructured by the Tsardom for reasons such as integration into the Russian Empire market, change of commercial centers and concentration of wealth. The changing structure of pastoral nomadism also led to transformations in housing and diet. Comprehending the complex dynamics of Russian colonialism on the Kazakh Steppe will reveal the destruction of nomadic life by scrutinizing the historical and contemporary sociocultural landscape of the region.

Oligarchy of Power in The Management of C-Mine Resources in Noemuti, North Central Timor Regency

This paper raises the dynamics of oligarchic power relations in the management of C-quarry mining resources in the form of stone in Noemuti District, North Central Timor Regency. This research uses the oligarchy theory of Jeffrey Winters as a basis for analysis in looking at mining problems that seem to be deadlocked when dealing with power authorities in resource management in the regions. The practice of oligarchy in Winters' theory uses 5 main approaches. But in this paper, it only limits to two approaches, namely the concentration of wealth and the concentration of power. Facing the dynamics of oligarchy that strengthens in local resource governance, on the other hand, presents resistance from civil society to take part in the legitimacy of power in the context of equitable distribution of resource management policies. The practice of community resistance is based on Sidney Tarrow's theory of collective challenge, common goals, solidarity and collective identity and maintaining the politics of resistance.

Whose Side Are We On? Toward an Emancipatory Ethic in Critical Arts-Based Research

The renowned U.S. sociologist Howard S. Becker, writing in 1969, posed the ethical question: Whose side are we on? In the context of continued structural inequalities in the distribution of power and wealth and individual and institutional oppression, in terms of class, race, gender, disability, and sexual orientation, this question remains as important as ever. The article, in advocating a robustly partisan approach, offers an emancipatory ethical framework continuum and an empirical example, from the authors’ critical arts-based research with undocumented Mexican Americans, to support and inform critical researchers, committed to working with oppressed groups against discrimination and for social justice.

Money In The Eyes Of Sufism: Insights From An Indonesian Tariqat

Money has historically been used as a means of oppression, personal gain, and manipulation in politics, law, and justice, often contributing to societal discord. This article examines the concept of money and its societal perceptions through the lens of Prof. Dr. H. Kadirun Yahya, a prominent Indonesian Sufi and Mursyid of the Tariqah Naqshbandiyah, known for his success in managing a wide range of business ventures. Utilizing qualitative research methods, including interviews, observation, and documentation, the study investigates Yahya's numerous business initiatives aimed at fostering prosperity. These initiatives span diverse sectors such as agribusiness, including large-scale plantations (oil palm, apple, orange, and other crops), livestock farming (poultry, fish, ducks, goats, and cows), and enterprises in furniture manufacturing, workshops, drinking water factories, electronics, travel services, and more. The findings highlight Yahya's belief that money serves as a manifestation of divine light, a tool for attaining blessings and life's necessities. While money lacks inherent value, it remains essential for human existence. His view, consistent with other Sufi teachings, likes money to a mirror that reflects various possibilities based on its use. Grounded in Sufi principles that emphasize unity, illumination, and divine manifestation, Yahya argues that money should be employed to combat injustice, dishonesty, and exploitation. Its ultimate purpose is to uphold morality, promote social justice, equitable wealth distribution, and meet basic human needs. This research underscores the importance of further studies on integrating Sufi values into business management.

The Wealth Creation in Indian and American Businesses

This paper discusses the comparative analysis of wealth production and distribution by looking at the business contexts and earning functions where there are two sides consisting of earning and spending between India and the USA. This research looks at the business inquiries, wealth-centric cultural attitudes, and economic systems in both countries. The USA has skewed more toward innovation and consumer-driven economies, whereas India is more technology, manufacturing, and services-based - all of which are still driven primarily by the traditional values that are focused on long-term financial security. This study synthesizes the extant body of literature to probe how different earning strategies such as the difference between lowering costs and innovation, the spending patterns including corporate social responsibility initiatives and much more may impact the economic outcomes and societal well-being in each country. This paper will show the comparative analysis between India and the USA which will provide information that will help explain the various paths of wealth distribution and accumulation for the two countries.

The analysis of good and bad effects of business people’s money-making and money-spending activities

There is no doubt that the money-making and money-spending activities of successful business people have a positive impact on society. Firstly, the rich alleviate the wealth gap and promote income equity through wealth distribution mechanisms such as taxation and charitable donations. Secondly, the rich promote economic development by accelerating money circulation and boosting employment through investment and consumption. Besides, business operations and charitable consumption by the rich can increase the supply of public goods and improve social welfare. However, there are also some adverse effects, such as the Matthew effect widening the gap between rich and poor, the exploitation and oppression of workers by capitalists, and the negative externalities of business people’s economic activities. This paper proposes some policy recommendations to address these challenges.

Intergenerational transfers, differential fertility, and wealth inequality

Abstract Rising income and wealth inequality across the developed world has prompted a renewed focus on the mechanisms driving inequality. This paper contributes to the existing literature by studying the impact from life-cycle savings, intergenerational transfers, and fertility differences between the rich and the poor on the wealth distribution. We find that bequests increase the level of wealth inequality and that fertility differences between the rich and the poor amplify this relationship. The counterfactual exercises show that the interaction between bequests and differential fertility is quantitatively important for understanding wealth inequality in the United States.

Capacity mapping of comprehensive sexuality education in Gabon: A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Access to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is crucial for adolescent health and well-being. Following UNESCO’s recommendations, Gabon revised its sex education policy in 2017 to better address adolescents’ sexual health needs. This study aims to map the capacities of the public health and education sector to implement Gabon’s CSE policy. Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with 15 professionals from ministries, NGOs, and development partners. Thematic analysis guided by Aluttis et al’s public health capacity model allowed to assess the existing capacities and gaps in leadership, organizational structures, partnerships, resources, and knowledge development for CSE. Results The implementation of CSE in Gabon is hindered by sociocultural and political factors, including the taboo on adolescent sexuality influencing perceptions of CSE content, natalist policies, and socio-economic disparities. Governmental involvement in CSE is limited to key ministries. Organizational structures for CSE lack cohesion due to changes in governance regimes and a lack of support for civil society organizations. Human resources are unevenly distributed, and financial constraints impede government initiatives, causing a strong reliance on external funding. An important role in supporting CSE is played by development partners and partnerships between stakeholders. While knowledge development for CSE is underway, monitoring and evaluation procedures are insufficient, and evidence mobilization by key professionals is insufficient. Conclusions Enhancing stakeholder collaboration, addressing structural constraints, and mobilizing human and financial resources are critical for effective CSE implementation in Gabon. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated efforts among stakeholders and addressing systemic challenges. This study provides insights for policymakers and practitioners to strengthen CSE programs and promote adolescent sexual health in Gabon. Key messages • CSE implementation is hindered by taboos on adolescent sexuality, natalist policies, and socio-economic gaps. • Evaluation and evidence mobilization deficits limit effectiveness.

A process evaluation of a LifeLab Dublin; an interactive health literacy intervention

Abstract The argument for targeting adolescent health has been made strongly, with poor lifestyle behaviours often emerging during this life stage. Furthermore, there is consistent evidence of a widening socioeconomic gap in health indicators. Developing health literacy (HL) in youth populations to improve lifelong health behaviours has garnered increased interest in recent years. This process evaluation examines the acceptability, fidelity and dose delivered of the pilot of LifeLab Dublin: a nine-week, school-based HL intervention for low socioeconomic adolescents. The intervention, which comprised of two out-of-school, interactive HL experiences in conjunction with seven school-based lessons, took place between September and December in 2021 and involved students aged 11 - 13. The health issues targeted were previously identified by the teachers and students of the target population, and the learning activities within the out-of-school experiences were co-designed by adolescents of a similar demographic. Overall, the intervention was perceived positively by the students and teachers, particularly the two interactive out-of-school experiences. The teachers, however, highlighted issues with the volume and content of the school-based lessons, resulting in a reduced number of lessons being delivered. The fidelity of the two LifeLab experiences was high, demonstrating that the students engaged well with the learning activities and that the experience aligned with LifeLab’s core principles and underpinning theoretical constructs. The findings from this study highlight the value in implementing experiential style learning in school-based HL education and the benefit of involving participants in the design of intervention. The evaluation provided valuable insight into the refinements required to enhance the efficacy of the intervention, as well as providing an evidence-base to inform future school-based HL interventions for low socioeconomic adolescents. Key messages • The benefit of adopting experiential style health literacy education with young people. • The benefit of including young people in the design of a health literacy intervention.

Building Islamic Economy Towards Golden Indonesia 2045

This study examines the strategic role of Islamic economics in supporting the achievement of the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045, which targets inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, global competitiveness, and sustainable development. Through the principles of social justice, equitable distribution of wealth, and wise management of natural resources, Islamic economics offers solutions that are in line with these goals. This study uses a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to explore the public and stakeholders' understanding of Islamic economics and the challenges and opportunities in its development. The results show that although the majority of respondents have a good understanding of Islamic economics, there are still barriers to the use of Islamic financial products, including a lack of understanding and access. In addition, interviews with entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers reveal the importance of Islamic financial literacy as a key to expanding community participation. The study concludes that Islamic economics has great potential to drive equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth, but supportive policies and broader education are needed to maximize its contribution to the Golden Indonesia Vision 2045.

Leveling Up: An Academic Acceleration Policy to Increase Equity in Advanced High School Course Taking

Taking advanced courses in high school predicts many positive outcomes, yet low-income students and students who identify as Black and Hispanic are underrepresented. Policies such as “algebra for all” that accelerate middle school students into advanced courses are well-studied, but little is known about newer academic acceleration policies that target older students. Between 2014–2015 and 2016–2017, 72 districts in Washington implemented Academic Acceleration policies, which identified proficient 11th- and 12th-grade students for automatic acceleration into AP, IB, and other dual credit courses. We used difference-in-differences models to examine changes in advanced course enrollments, GPAs, and high school graduation between districts that began implementing the policy at different times. We found advanced course enrollment increased and became more equitable postpolicy.

“Vacunas”: Permanence of Crime in The New Dynamics of Violence and Post-Agreement in Colombia

Objective: This study aims to explore the criminal dynamics and socioeconomic implications of extortion, specifically the "vacuna" (protection payment) phenomenon, in Colombia. It seeks to understand how this practice contributes to the persistence of crime and violence, and how victims manage and cope with this form of violence. Theoretical Frmework: The literature review is based on the theory of psychological coercion, where the threat and intimidation through force are used as a means of social control, as well as the economics of crime, which proposes that criminality is a rational act aimed at maximizing benefits for offenders. Finally, the theory of the state and security explains how the absence of the state in Colombia allows criminal groups to assume roles of "protection." Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, using semi-structured and unstructured interviews with merchants and business owners in the Department of Santander, Colombia. The study focuses on a narrative approach, allowing victims to express their experiences with extortion. This method aims to capture the diversity of perspectives and coping practices in response to the crime. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that extortion persists as a common practice due to weak state presence and the transformation of criminal actors. It was observed that victims, both individually and collectively, develop diverse strategies to confront extortion. The study also identifies the perpetrators, although in many cases, victims are unable or unwilling to directly point out their aggressors due to fear of reprisals. Research Implications: The findings suggest the need to rethink public policies focused on security and wealth distribution in Colombia. Strengthening state presence in regions most affected by violence and improving protection mechanisms for extortion victims is crucial. Originality/Value: This study provides a detailed and contextualized analysis of a criminal practice that has been underrepresented in academic literature. By focusing on the voices and experiences of the victims, it offers new insights into the dynamics of power and violence in Colombia, highlighting the importance of addressing structural inequalities to mitigate crime and violence.

The Interplay of Digital Technologies and Gender in Imtiaz’s Karachi, you are Killing me: A Cyberfeminist Analysis

This article examines the complex dynamics of women’s relationships with technology in modern urban difficulties, focusing on Saba Imtiaz’s Karachi, You’re Killing Me!. Keeping in view how Sadie Plant’s cyberfeminist theory informs about the revolutionary possibilities of the digital world, the study examines the challenges and opportunities that influence women’s use of technology as they navigate the complexity of a diverse yet dangerous metropolis, Karachi. This article argues that analysing women’s interactions with technology inside the novel, delivers a larger implication of women-tech interaction for promoting gender equality in metropolitan area of Karachi where socioeconomic gaps are prevalent. It is important to examine how gender nequities in the digital world, access concerns, and societal norms interact with the novel’s nique depiction of technology as a tool that amidst these challenges empowers women. Finally, this study adds to the growing body of knowledge on women’s agency in the digital era by highlighting the importance of the particular urban setting for conversations about technology, gender and empowerment.