Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 09/2014

Inequality in South Africa: A two part document on the current understanding and dimensions of inequality in health, gender and livelihoods

Nicola Deghaye, Tamlyn McKenzie, Petronella Chirawu

July 2014

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

Recognising that inequality is at the heart of the South African ‘development problem’, Oxfam commissioned this research from the Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The report, supported by 91 references, is in two parts, with an executive summary.

Part 1 covers the current understanding of inequality in South Africa, reviewing definitions, types, and ways of monitoring inequality, and offers a set of measures for Oxfam to use. Part 2 focuses on the dimensions of inequality in three main areas of Oxfam’s programme in the country: Health, Gender, and Livelihoods, in the context of Oxfam’s ongoing programme work.

This document is one of a number of publications highlighting NGO good practice and innovations from partner organisations supported by Oxfam in South Africa.