What is Inclusive Growth? A Survey

Kshitiz Shrestha, Hyojung Kang and Jorge Martinez-Vazquez ()
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Kshitiz Shrestha: International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University
Hyojung Kang: International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University

International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU from International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University

Abstract: Inclusive growth has emerged as a central concept in both academic research and development policy, yet the literature remains fragmented across definitions, dimensions, and measurement approaches. This paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of the inclusive growth literature, tracing its conceptual evolution from pro-poor growth origins to its current multidimensional interpretation. It synthesizes the key dimensions that emerge consistently across definitions and identifies four core components of inclusive growth - sustained economic growth as a necessary foundation, equitable access to opportunities, broad sharing of growth's benefits, and multidimensional well-being and environmental sustainability. The paper also reviews and evaluates principal approaches used to measure inclusive growth against a common set of principles drawn from the literature. In addition, it situates inclusive growth within the broader post-growth debate, engaging with frameworks that questions the role of economic growth for long-run human welfare. While post-growth perspectives offer valuable normative insights, inclusive growth remains a practical and policy-relevant framework given its ability to incorporate growth while explicitly addressing distributional and welfare concerns.

Pages: 43 pages
Date: 2026-08
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2627

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