Spatial Inequality in Social Progress in Bangladesh

The paper tracks spatial inequality in social progress in Bangladesh as evidenced from the district level data. It uses a multivariate framework to explore the differential pace of social progress at the spatial level. The “instructive” outliers and deviants are identified in terms of underachievers and overachievers compared with the benchmark predicted by the level of aggregate affluence. The paper then draws upon discussions to coalesce a local contextual story about the possible reasons for such unexpected deviations from the general pattern. The paper concludes that the extent of spatial inequality in social development has decreased over the second half of the nineties although the overall level of inequality remains considerable. Policy implications are drawn for attacking spatial chronic poverty.[PRCPB Working Paper No. 7]