Reducing Inequality Through Tax and Spending

February 21, 2013

Rickshaws and a new BMW in the Indian capital, New Delhi. Targeted benefits, rather than universal benefits, are better at reducing inequality, says Coady. (Photo: Jens Kalaene/dpa/Corbis)
- Reducing Inequality Through Tax and Spending
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In This Episode
Fiscal policy—or the way a government taxes, spends and borrows money—can have a huge impact on reducing inequality. But according to a recent IMF study, that impact has been shrinking over the past decade, as governments scale back social benefits, and make income taxes less progressive.
David Coady, IMF, Fiscal Affairs Department

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Bruce Edwards

International Monetary Fund

Bruce Edwards produces the IMF podcast program. He's an award-winning audio producer and journalist who's covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world. He believes economists have an important role in solving the world's problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.

Rhoda Metcalfe

RHODA METCALFE is an independent journalist and audio producer.

About IMF Podcasts

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