INCOME INEQUALITY IN VIETNAM: STATUS AND POLICY (2010-2020)

Abstract

Inequality has attracted the attention of economists, politicians, sociologists, and policy makers. However, income inequality being under a comparative regional perspective has not received sufficient attention, especially in the context of developing countries and emerging economies likes Vietnam. Based on the dataset of results of the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey from 2010 to 2020 (VHLSS) published by the General Statistics Office (GSO), this study was aimed to analyze, evaluate and discuss dynamics and reality of income inequality of Vietnamese people regarding to the perspective of regional comparison ; urban - rural ; rich - poor in 10 years period 2010-2020. Income inequality was measured by the Gini coefficient, the income gap coefficient and the 40WB standard. Research results showed that the income is increasing day by day in Vietnam, while income inequality has been notably widespreaded among regions, areas and population classes as well as a raising trend, especially in rural and underdeveloped areas. However, its has illustrated a deminishment in urban areas and developed economic zones. This situation urgently requires the government to take more effective actions and policies in an effort to alleviate and restrict the negative impact of inequality that supporting a more sustainable and equal society.