Getting ahead or left behind? Essays on poverty dynamics and social mobility in Africa

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Eleni Yitbarek, UNU-MERIT

The increased recognition of the persistent nature of poverty has rekindled long-standing debates of who is getting ahead, who is left behind, who is standing still, and why, among development economists and policy makers alike. This dissertation is a collection of three essays and seeks to contribute to the aforementioned debate. It provides new empirical insights on poverty dynamics and social mobility in selected sub-Saharan African countries using a range of empirical approaches.  The dissertation conclude that informal safety nets in the form of support from friends/ family or being a member of a voluntary social association is not suffices to exit subjective or consumption poverty. On the other hand, education plays a vital role to reduce both. ​ 

Venue: Room 1.169, Minderbroedersberg 4-6, Maastricht

Date: 13 December 2016

Time: 15:45 - 17:15  CET