Emily Morris 09/10/08
Poverty and inequality in Cuba today: The policy challenge
Emily Morris, Senior Research Fellow
International Institute for the Study of Cuba
Emily Morris, the newly-appointed Senior Research Fellow at the IISC gave her inaugural seminar on 9th October 2008. More than 70 people gathered to hear her talk on the question of income inequality and poverty in Cuba.
She addressed the fact that among the aims of the Cuban revolution were the eradication of poverty and reduction of income inequality, but both poverty and inequality have increased since 1990.
The economic shock suffered with the collapse of Comecon was the cause of the reversal, but the specific characteristics of the problem of poverty and pattern of income distribution were outcomes of policy choices. According to Emily, by some measure, Cuban policy has been remarkably successful. However, the problem of poverty remained and difficult choices have had to be made concerning income inequality.
In particular, she said, the growth of the informal economy posed an important challenge for anti-poverty and equality policy in Cuba. A reassessment of policy was now under way, and its outcome would have far-reaching social implications. Although Cuba’s experience was unique, it provided lessons that had relevance not only for other developing countries but also for rich nations during conditions of economic stress.
Her presentation brought together the available data on trends in poverty and income distribution in Cuba since 1990. She explained the priniciples and instruments of Cuban policy and used the evidence to measure the effectiveness of policy in a comparative context.
This provided the basis for an assessment of the nature and extent of poverty, and pattern of income distribution, in Cuba today. In addition she gave an account of the current challenges and debates highlighting the economic policy adjustments that are now taking place and considering their broader significance.
To access the powerpoint slides of her seminar please click on the icon below:
Poverty and Inequality, Morris 091008
Emily Morris is the newly-appointed Senior Research Fellow at the IISC. After 12 years at the Economist Unit as country editor for Cuba, she is widely recognised as the UK's foremost expert on the Cuban economy and is completing a PhD on the subject of Cuba as a 'transition' economy. This seminar was her inaugural lecture.
This event was recorded and a DVD is available. To obtain a copy please send a cheque for £5.00p made payable to 'London Metropolitan University', a return address and a note saying that you want the film of this event to the following address:
IISC
London Metropolitan University
31 Jewry St.,
London
EC3 2NY
