VoxDev Development Economics
S4 Ep33: Measuring upward mobility in developing countries
Aug 21, 2024
Debraj Ray, an expert in economic mobility, and Garance Genicot, a researcher on upward mobility in developing countries, engage in a compelling discussion. They explore the complexities of measuring upward mobility in low-income nations, highlighting challenges like data scarcity and the informal economy. The conversation examines the Great Gatsby Curve, showing how income inequality impacts social mobility. They stress the importance of education in facilitating upward mobility and the critical need for nuanced policy-making that fosters shared prosperity.
35:04
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Quick takeaways
- Measuring upward mobility in developing countries is challenging due to a lack of longitudinal data and the informal nature of economies.
- Despite lower educational levels, regions like India and sub-Saharan Africa experience particularly low rates of intergenerational educational mobility, revealing significant disparities.
Deep dives
Understanding Upward Mobility in Development
Upward mobility is emphasized as a critical element of economic development, as it encompasses relative improvements in the livelihoods of the poorest segments of the population. This concept differs from general movement, which can refer to geographical or occupational changes without social implications. The focus on upward mobility highlights the ethical dimension of economic growth, wherein the speed at which the poor improve their circumstances compared to the rich is vital. Therefore, upward mobility is not merely about anyone's progress, but about the relative growth of disadvantaged groups, making it a crucial gauge of social welfare.
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