The failure of effective direct taxation is the central explanation for much higher final income inequality. Therefore Cobham and Sumner argue in favour of more fairness in tax systems through metrics.

Given the over-sensitivity of the Gini to the middle of the distribution, and the insensitivity of the Palma, policymakers could consider a choice between the two: which aspect of the distribution are you more concerned with?

The new bottom billion has reshaped the demographics of poverty. This calls for a renewed development narrative, one that focuses on inequality and shared responsibility.

The big issue for the MDG summit, the ‘big push’ to 2015 and even the post-2015 debates (there’s a newly agreed UN summit due in Sept 2013) should really be a focus on equity and on the poorest. Why? Because nearly three-quarters of the world’s po…

I finished my blog posting yesterday with a promise to say something about the ‘what next?’ question. Well, I’m always thinking about a book academics generally can’t stand but I love – that’s Gladwell’s Tipping point (Chip and Dan Heath’s Made to…

I’d like to blog on the ‘After 2015’ theme from the point of view of having co-led the 23 June with colleagues and friends at IDS, The Broker, ActionAid, DSA, and EADI.Looking for key emergent themes I’ve also just re-read the special policy brief…

The deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) isn’t until 2015. But it is time to begin thinking about the ‘MDG-plus’ agenda. But what, if anything, should replace the MDGs as a policy focus or new development paradigm?