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On the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’: A Comment

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  • Vladimir Hlasny
  • Paolo Verme

Abstract

This Comment responds to the critical review by Gilbert Achcar published in this journal (May 2020) which concludes that the protagonists of the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’ debate exhibit a systematic neoliberal bias. We counter that Achcar's conclusion is based on a misleading and selective interpretation of evidence, false grouping of scholars and an inadequate understanding of the measurement of income inequality. Achcar's article politicizes and dismisses years of thorough research which is unfair to the numerous scholars who made a genuine effort to understand the true level of income inequality and its evolution in Egypt. This Comment argues that it is essential to keep the debate on a technical level and leave speculations and conspiracy theories aside.

Suggested Citation

  • Vladimir Hlasny & Paolo Verme, 2022. "On the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’: A Comment," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 53(2), pages 448-458, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:53:y:2022:i:2:p:448-458
    DOI: 10.1111/dech.12626
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vladimir Hlasny & Paolo Verme, 2018. "Top Incomes and the Measurement of Inequality in Egypt," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 428-455.
    2. Facundo Alvaredo & Lydia Assouad & Thomas Piketty, 2017. "Appendix to "Measuring Inequality in the Middle East 1990-2016: The World's Most Unequal Region?"," World Inequality Lab Working Papers halshs-02797374, HAL.
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    4. Atamanov,Aziz & Tandon,Sharad Alan & Lopez-Acevedo,Gladys C. & Vergara Bahena,Mexico Alberto, 2020. "Measuring Monetary Poverty in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region : Data Gaps and Different Options to Address Them," Policy Research Working Paper Series 9259, The World Bank.
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    8. Richard V. Burkhauser & Shuaizhang Feng & Stephen P. Jenkins & Jeff Larrimore, 2012. "Recent Trends in Top Income Shares in the United States: Reconciling Estimates from March CPS and IRS Tax Return Data," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 94(2), pages 371-388, May.
    9. Cornia, Giovanni Andrea (ed.), 2014. "Falling Inequality in Latin America: Policy Changes and Lessons," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198701804.
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    11. Roy van der Weide & Christoph Lakner & Elena Ianchovichina, 2018. "Is Inequality Underestimated in Egypt? Evidence from House Prices," Review of Income and Wealth, International Association for Research in Income and Wealth, vol. 64(s1), pages 55-79, October.
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    13. Hassine, Nadia Belhaj, 2015. "Economic Inequality in the Arab Region," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 532-556.
    14. -, 2018. "The Inefficiency of Inequality," Documentos de posición del período de sesiones de la Comisión 43443, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
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