POLARIZED REALITIES: A CROSS-COUNTRY ANALYSIS OF INCOME INEQUALITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
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Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
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This study examined the evolving patterns of income inequality and polarization across selected ASEAN countries from 1990 to 2022. By introducing the Income Polarization Index (IPI), this research aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of income distribution dynamics, addressing the limitations of traditional inequality measures like the Gini coefficient. Using the standardized Z-scores of the Wolfson Index, the study analysed the degree of income polarization in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The findings highlighted significant disparities in income polarization within the region, reflecting the socio-economic shifts driven by globalization, urbanization, and technological advancements. This research revealed how income polarization has exacerbated social divisions, with implications for social mobility and long-term economic stability.