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Economics (ECON): Wealth Distribution & Inequality

This guide will help you find information about Economics, including economic theories, statistical data, economic indicators, and biographical information about famous economists.

Finding International Data About Poverty and Wealth Inequality

The World Bank collects a variety of data related to wealth distribution, poverty, and economic development across the globe. Start with these research reports and tools, then visit their website for more information. 

  • Poverty & Shared Prosperity 2022: Correcting Course -- This report provides the first comprehensive look at the landscape of poverty in the aftermath of an extraordinary series of shocks to the global economy. Global progress in reducing extreme poverty has virtually come to a halt. After COVID-19 dealt the biggest setback to global poverty in decades, rising food and energy prices -- fueled by climate shocks and conflict among the world’s biggest food producers -- have hindered a swift recovery. The report analyzes how fiscal policy was used in the first year of the pandemic to support the most vulnerable groups.
  • Food Security Update -- In this document, the World Bank outlines its response to rising food insecurity around the world, particularly in regions affected by armed conflict and climate change.
  • Economic Indicators Databank -- This collection of graphs illustrates how countries are experiencing various factors that affect the economy, such as climate change, education, gender, health, and life expectancy. Use the interactive dashboard to build a customized graph that compares two or more countries.

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) website provides an excellent Introduction to Inequality, which covers the factors causing inequality; explains how it is measured; and explores the consequences of poverty. Proposals to fight inequality are discussed in these podcasts. The IMF's press conferences and other media events are available on video.  

U.S. Data on Wealth Distribution

The Pew Research Center is a non-partisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world. The organization conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis, and other data-driven social science research, but does not take policy positions.

The Center has collected a variety of data about economic inequality in the United States. To read their reports, click the links below.