Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0


Author-Name: Kshitiz Shrestha
Author-Workplace-Name: International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University

Author-Name: Hyojung Kang
Author-Workplace-Name: International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University

Author-Name: Jorge Martinez-Vazquez
Author-Workplace-Name: International Center for Public Policy, Georgia State University

Title: What is Inclusive Growth? A Survey

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.

Length: 43 pages

Creation-Date: 2026-08

File-URL: http://ayspsrd.gsu.edu/ays/ispwps/paper2627.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf

Handle: RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2627