Review of Development Economics

Abstract

This special issue presents seven empirical studies that investigate the complex and multidimensional relationship between inequality and rural development in Asia, with a primary focus on China and Bangladesh. The selected papers examine how different forms of inequality—income, consumption, opportunity, and gender—interact with key drivers of rural transformation, including digitalisation, agricultural modernisation, migration, and administrative reform. Collectively, the studies reveal that while technological innovations such as rural e-commerce and digital finance can reduce inequality among disadvantaged groups, their benefits are not uniformly distributed. Structural inequalities continue to constrain the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, exacerbate gender disparities in labour reallocation, and reinforce unequal childhood health outcomes. The findings highlight the need for inclusive, context-sensitive policies that address both economic and institutional barriers to equitable development. By offering rich empirical insights and actionable policy implications, this special issue contributes to a deeper understanding of how to foster inclusive growth and sustainable transformation in rural Asia.