Economic Growth

Inequality is a ticking time bomb and other must-read economics stories of the week

A construction worker carries a sack on a scaffold in Madrid, Spain, December 2, 2016. REUTERS/Andrea Comas

Image: REUTERS/Andrea Comas

Jennifer Blanke
Member of the Board, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

A list of some of the week’s most interesting stories on economic growth and social inclusion.

1. Facts and figures. Reducing poverty and income inequality can be difficult. The case of China shows why. (Brink Asia)

2. Inequality is a ticking time bomb. Those are the words of Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. (Reuters)

3. And this could be the most dangerous time for our planet. Stephen Hawking argues that we can’t keep ignoring inequality. (The Guardian)

4. There’s a poverty premium: the poorer are paying more for essential goods and services. (University of Bristol)

5. Social mobility is an important measure of inclusive growth. A new tool enables companies to measure the degree of mobility in their workplace. (Financial Times)

6. Trade offers a path to inclusive economic growth – but only if the right policies come with it. (World Economic Forum)

7. What’s the impact of immigration on wages? Both high- and low-skill immigration boost per capita incomes. (IMF)

8. Women make up only 28% of the world’s researchers. An all-female expedition to Antarctica is drawing attention to the problem. (The Independent)

9. The pressure for more responsible corporate behaviour is growing. Investors can push for better reporting metrics. (IMD)

10. Reforming inheritance rights can have a positive effect on human capital. Lessons from Kenya demonstrates how. (Knowledge@Wharton)

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