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Chapter 9 describes the evolution of social policies during the structural reform process since the mid-1980s; going from the elimination of initiatives put in place during the oil bonanza to the surge of a poverty alleviation targeted strategy that has accompanied Mexico's transition to democracy. In particular, it highlights the achievements and limitations of Oportunidades, the antipoverty program of the Fox administration (2000–2006) inherited from Zedillo (1994–2000, with a different name, Progresa). The chapter examines recent trends in inequalities and regional disparities, as well as in poverty. Attention is given to explaining why the poverty rate has been falling in the midst of slow economic growth after its sharp increase during the financial crisis and recession of 1995. The main argument is that such downward trend in poverty rate is to an important extent explained by Mexico's demographic transition to low fertility rates and population growth rates that has taken place in recent decades. The chapter concludes by arguing that the tasks of social policy are extremely demanding, especially if the growth imperative is not fully met.

This chapter attempts to explore the role and importance of the labour market in the interactions between economic growth, poverty, and inequality. Ranging from the relationship between output and employment, through the relevant elasticities, to the estimates of labour-intensive growth in cross-country regressions, the role of the labour market in understanding growth, poverty, and inequality outcomes is assessed. An overview of current and ongoing research is provided. This is in an attempt to understand labour market dynamics of pro-poor economic growth, and linkages—not only within the economic growth–poverty nexus, but also the centrality of inequality. This is vital for creating a broader appreciation of the welfare impacts of economic growth. The chapter endeavours to suggest specific African economies where economic growth and welfare outcomes may be intermediated through the labour markets of these respective economies.

The slowdown in global economic growth and significant increases in income inequality within many developed and developing countries raise serious concerns about the continuation of these trends in the twenty-first century. This chapter overviews the factors that are most likely to facilitate the process of beneficial economic growth in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. It examines past, present, and future economic growth; demographic and human resource changes; the globalization of trade; the effect of finance on growth; climate change and resource depletion; and the sense of global citizenship and the need for global governance in order to draw longer-term implications, identify policy options for improving the lives of average citizens around the world, and make the case for the need to confront new challenges with truly global policy responses. The chapters are intended to stimulate public interest and facilitate the exchange of ideas and policy dialogue.

The chapter outlines the growth history of Gujarat and progress made on the social front since its inception in 1960. While its performance relative to the average of the country was fluctuating during the first three decades, the state has performed far better in the last two decades. Its relative growth is significantly higher in the 2000s than in the 1990s. In economic transformation, Gujarat looks more like China than the average of India. Its performance in several other development indicators is consistent with its economic achievements. Poverty has come down and inequality level is less than in comparable states. Literacy and health indicators show remarkable improvements in 2000s. Two of the three disadvantaged groups, Scheduled Castes and Muslims, in Gujarat have done better than not only their counterparts but also average citizens in the country in several respects. The performance of Scheduled Tribes, however, is not so good.