Structural Inequality in the Philippines: Oligarchy, Economic Transformation and Current Challenges to Development
Document Type
Book
Publication Date
2021
Abstract
Over the past four decades; the Philippines has achieved significant advances in its growth performance and has undergone a series of transformations in its political; economic and social structures. However; while average incomes have risen; the country’s record in terms of generating quality employment and reducing poverty and inequality has been disappointing. High levels of income inequality and social exclusion have persisted; even as the rate of upward mobility; at least compared to its ASEAN neighbors; has been low. Moreover; new evidence suggests that key forms of wealth inequality have been rising. These trends are caused not only by poor human and physical investment as well as the adverse impacts of premature deindustrialization; but also by the dynamics of an oligarchical political economy in which political dynasties and family-linked conglomerates have substantially curbed the capacity of non-elite formations and players to assert more developmental policy regimes and more substantive democratization. More recently; we argue; these same political economy constraints have also been starkly exhibited in the country’s incoherent response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recommended Citation
Tuaño, P. A., & Cruz, J. (2021). Structural inequality in the Philippines: Oligarchy, economic transformation and current challenges to development. In L. Hwok-Aun & C. Choong (Eds.), Inequality and Exclusion in Southeast Asia: Old Fractures, New Frontiers. ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute. https://bookshop.iseas.edu.sg/publication/7778
