This handbook provides a comprehensive and comparative review of poverty and inequality in developing and developed countries from demographic, sociological, and political perspectives. It discusses, among others, the basics of poverty and inequality, issues of poverty and inequality among race/ethnic and sexual minority subpopulations, social processes, country and comparative perspectives, child poverty, and anti-poverty policies. It also touches on regional disparities.

There has been rapid decline in poverty and inequality in China, East Asian and Pacific countries. Declines have also occurred in South Asia. But in Sub-Saharan Africa, poverty and inequality have risen in some countries, while in other regions, such as transition economies in Europe and Central Asia, only modest changes have occurred. This handbook provides a great reference for demographers, social scientists, policy makers and NGOs.