Intersectional Inequality in Africa with Economist Murray Leibbrandt

South African economist Murray Leibbrandt is interviewed by Kellogg Institute PhD Fellow Rasheed Ibrahim on measuring inequality and poverty in Africa. Leibbrandt describes the importance of tying policies together to create dynamic environments for improving livelihoods holistically. He draws from his experience in South Africa to describe the intersectional texture of structural inequalities: regional, gendered, age-based, racialized.

 

Welcome to Global Stage, a podcast highlighting academic and policy-oriented international research on democracy and human development! Global Stage is brought to you by the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. Today’s host PhD Fellow Rasheed Ibrahim is joined by Murray Leibbrandt, professor in the School of Economics at the University of Cape Town and the director of the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU).

To begin, Leibbrandt explains his methodological approach, which involves using panel surveys to track individuals over time rather than relying on cross-sectional data. Cross-sectional data can provide statistics such as the Gini coefficient, but it fails to uncover the underlying processes driving inequality and poverty. By following individuals’ journeys, panel data provides a more nuanced understanding of how societal structures and individual agency interact to shape outcomes. Inequality in South Africa, despite some progress, remains entrenched. While individuals are resourceful and proactive, systemic barriers, particularly in education and labor market transitions, hinder real progress. Leibbrandt notes the significant unemployment problem and highlights that blaming individuals for their circumstances is misguided. Rather than solely focusing on the macroeconomic challenges, policies should aim at creating pathways, such as internships and programs that support the school-to-work transition.

 South Africa’s economic and social progress has been piecemeal, failing to deliver the kind of comprehensive growth needed to reduce inequality and build an inclusive economy. Rising inequality is a global issue, with the wealthiest individuals becoming richer while the majority struggle to break out of poverty. This phenomenon is evident, though certainly not limited, in South Africa, where extreme inequality hampers societal progress. Both policy interventions and a deeper understanding of the social and economic fabric are necessary to address inequality and foster development across African countries. Many young South Africans, despite having talent and street smarts, are unable to utilize their skills effectively due to the constraints of their environment. These barriers make it nearly impossible for aspiring entrepreneurs to succeed, no matter how resourceful or determined they may be. Despite these challenges, Leibbrandt believes that citizens are responsive to well-designed policies, and even small, targeted interventions can make a meaningful difference.

Links:

• Learn more about Murray Leibbrandt.
• Learn more about the Kellogg Institution for International Studies.