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Spatial approaches to measure subnational inequality: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
Author(s) -
Smith Richard J.,
Rey Sergio J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
development policy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.671
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1467-7679
pISSN - 0950-6764
DOI - 10.1111/dpr.12363
Subject(s) - inequality , gini coefficient , sustainable development , china , spatial inequality , index (typography) , measure (data warehouse) , development economics , econometrics , geography , economic growth , regional science , economics , economic inequality , political science , computer science , mathematics , mathematical analysis , law , archaeology , database , world wide web
The United Nations expressed an interest in reducing subnational (i.e., province and state level) inequality. We propose using a spatial decomposition of the Gini coefficient ( SDGC ) to track changes in subnational inequality. Typically, agencies do not track summary measures of subnational clustering of development indicators. Tracking changes in the SDGC can help measure and reduce regional inequality. To illustrate the use of the SDGC , we first present data for 93 nations to obtain cross‐sectional variation. Next, to illustrate how the SDGC trends over time, changes in the Human Development Index in Mongolia are compared to Russia and China. The SDGC can show improvement, decline and persistent clustering of subnational level inequality. The SDGC is a useful measure for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.