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The relationship between inequality and poverty in developing countries: mitigating role of virtual social network and internet access in schools

Author

Listed:
  • Simplice A. Asongu

    (Yaoundé, Cameroon)

  • Peter Agyemang-Mintah

    (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract
This research complements the extant literature on poverty and inequality by assessing the role ‘virtual social networks’ and ‘internet access in schools’ in mitigating the incidence of inequality on poverty. Using secondary data, the focus of the study is on developing countries and the empirical evidence is based on Tobit regressions. The study shows that inequality unconditionally increases poverty while ‘virtual social networks’ and ‘internet access in schools’ negatively moderate the effect of inequality on poverty. An extended analysis provides thresholds of ‘virtual social networks’ and ‘internet access in schools’ at which, the unconditional positive effect of inequality on poverty is completely dampened and above which, negative incidences on poverty are apparent. These attendant information technology thresholds are below average levels in the sampled countries. The study complements that extant literature by assessing the role of virtual social networks and internet access in schools in mitigating the incidence of inequality on poverty in developing countries. Policy implications are discussed in the light of Sustainable Development Goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Simplice A. Asongu & Peter Agyemang-Mintah, 2024. "The relationship between inequality and poverty in developing countries: mitigating role of virtual social network and internet access in schools," Working Papers 24/011, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    • Handle: RePEc:exs:wpaper:24/011
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    File URL: http://publications.excas.org/RePEc/exs/exs-wpaper/The-relationship-between-inequality-and-poverty-in-developing-countries.pdf
    File Function: Revised version, 2024
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    information technology; inequality; poverty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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