Poverty and Inequality in Asia (ASIA20009)

Asia is home to a large number of poor people, and many of them are considered chronically poor. This means they have been living in poverty for a long time and are likely to continue to do so without effective policies to help them. Therefore, understanding the lives of people experiencing poverty in Asia is crucial. This knowledge is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the region.

This subject aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of poverty and inequality in both rural and urban areas of Asia, with a focus on the countries with the largest number of chronically poor people, including China and India, as well as other countries in South Asia (such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan) and Southeast Asia (like Indonesia and Cambodia).

Throughout the course, we will identify individuals and families living in poverty, their location, and the factors contributing to their situation. We will also engage in multidisciplinary theoretical debates on poverty and inequality and explore various microeconomic, sector-based, and macroeconomic policies and strategies that can be implemented to address this important issue.