Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia: Old Fractures, New Frontiers

Inequality is a defining global issue of our times. Southeast Asia stands out in some ways; the 2010s have seen most countries in the region reduce income gaps. Nonetheless, inequality levels remain high, especially in the middle-income to high-income countries, and popular disaffection and economic anxiety prevail, even while official statistics may paint more buoyant scenarios. The age-old problem of group-based exclusion in the development process manifests in new ways. This book provides up-to-date overviews of inequality levels and trends, primarily related to income, but also wealth and other socio-economic variables pertaining to education and health. The country chapters also examine salient themes of inequality, especially structural changes and public policies to redress inequality and exclusion, labour market developments, population groups, regional dynamics, and informal economies. We gain an appreciation for the unique conditions and diverse experiences of each country, and draw comparative insights across the region.

• Lee Hwok Aun, Editor

  Lee Hwok Aun is Senior Fellow and Co-ordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore.

• Christopher Choong, Editor

  Christopher Choong Weng Wai is the Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) and an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity at the International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics.