THE IMF AND INCOME INEQUALITY

Introduction to Inequality

Inequality is a complex concept and is difficult to measure. Excessive inequality can erode social cohesion, lead to political polarization, and lower economic growth. Learn more about the inequality, its causes and consequences and how the IMF helps countries in tackling inequality.   

IMF's work on Inequality

The IMF analyzes inequality trends and supports countries in designing policies to tackle inequality. The IMF’s extensive work on inequality is reflected in its policy papers and a large body of cross-country and country-specific analytical work.  

Income Inequality and COVID-19

• Digital Solutions for Direct Cash Transfers in Emergencies, The Special Series Notes on COVID-19 - April 20, 2020
• Expenditure Policies in Support of Firms and Households, The Special Series Notes on COVID-19 - April 20, 2020
• Managing the Impact on Households: Assessing Universal Transfers, The Special Series Notes on COVID-19 - April 20, 2020

Blogs

• How COVID-19 Will Increase Inequality in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies - October 30, 2020
• Friend or foe? Technology can boost either resilience or inequality, depending on how much you have of it - September 4, 2020
• Monetary Policy for all? Inequality and the Conduct of Monetary Policy - September 30, 2020
• COVID-19: Without Help, Low-Income Developing Countries Risk a Lost Decade - August 27, 2020
• Low Internet Access Driving Inequality by Mercedes García-Escribano - June 29, 2020
• The Global Economic Reset—Promoting a More Inclusive Recovery by Kristalina Georgieva - June 11, 2020
• How Pandemics Leave the Poor Even Farther Behind by Davide Furceri, Prakash Loungani, Jonathan D. Ostry - May 11, 2020
• Reduce Inequality To Create Opportunity by Kristalina Georgieva - January 7, 2020

Research

• Wealth Inequality and Private Savings: The Case of Germany, Working Paper by Mai Dao - June 26, 2020
• Social Programs and Formal Employment: Evidence from the Brazilian Bolsa Família Program, Working Paper by Anna Fruttero, Alexandre Ribeiro Leichsenring, and Luis Henrique Paiva - June 19, 2020
• Who will Bear the Brunt of Lockdown Policies? Evidence from Tele-workability Measures Across Countries, Working Paper by Mariya Brussevich, Era Dabla-Norris and Salma Khalid - June 12, 2020
• Effectiveness and Equity in Social Spending - The Case of Spain, Working Paper by Svetlana Vtyurina - January 30, 2020
• A Strategy for IMF Engagement on Social Spending - June 2019

Multi-media

Podcast: Kristalina Georgieva Talks Inequality with Oxfam (September, 2020)

 Video: Chief Economists Roundtable: How to Ensure Economic Growth Benefits the Many and Not the Few (April 13, 2019)