Inequality

Question 1

Harvey (2003)

Answer 1

Argued that capitalism inherently produces spatial inequality through processes like the ‘spatial fix’ and accumulation by dispossession.

Question 2

Rodríguez-Pose (2013)

Answer 2

Showed empirically that institutional quality (e.g. rule of law, accountability) explains persistent regional inequality across Europe.

Question 3

Pike et al. (2017)

Answer 3

Argue that development is multidimensional and uneven. Critique policies that equate growth with development and ignore inequality.

Question 4

Rodrik (2004)

Answer 4

Emphasised that without strong institutions, global integration can worsen inequality. Highlighted the importance of absorptive capacity.

Question 5

Gereffi (2005)

Answer 5

Demonstrated that GVC governance structures favour lead firms in core economies, leading to uneven value capture and global inequality.

Question 6

Coe & Yeung (2015)

Answer 6

Show how GPNs reinforce inequality when peripheral regions are locked into low-value-added roles. Emphasise the need for strategic coupling.

Question 7

Ponte et al. (2023)

Answer 7

Argue that GVCs are ‘constitutive of global inequalities’—governance structures actively reproduce uneven development.

Question 8

Florida (2005)

Answer 8

Described the world as ‘spiky’: economic activity and innovation are highly concentrated in select urban hubs, deepening spatial inequality.

Question 9

Moretti (2012)

Answer 9

Showed that innovation-driven cities see compounding benefits (jobs, wages), while others fall behind—highlighting agglomeration-led inequality.

Question 10

Acemoglu & Robinson (2012)

Answer 10

Argued that extractive institutions lead to long-term inequality, while inclusive institutions foster more equitable development.