Systemic Determinants of Income Inequality in ASEAN: A Systematic Review and an Integrative Policy Framework for Inclusive Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47747/fmiic.v1i3.3544Abstract
This study aims to systematically synthesize the determinants and policy responses to income inequality in ASEAN countries by addressing the fragmentation in the existing literature. This study challenges the conventional economic growth-based approach by demonstrating that inequality in modern economies is largely determined by structural, digital, and institutional factors. This study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach based on the Tranfield et al. framework, analyzing 18 empirical articles from Scopus and Google Scholar from 2020–2025. Selection followed PRISMA, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute. The results indicate that inequality in ASEAN is a multidimensional phenomenon driven by spatial inequality (±70%), human capital (±78%), the digital divide (±61%), and institutional quality (±50%). These findings demonstrate the interdependence of determinants in shaping systemic inequality. This study proposes an integrative inequality framework that combines economic, social, technological, and institutional dimensions in a single analytical model. The implications of this research emphasize that growth-based policies alone are insufficient without cross-sectoral policy integration. Therefore, development strategies must focus on digital inclusion, human resource development, institutional reform, and regional redistribution to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
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