How big of a problem is income inequality in Singapore?

For the first time in five years, last year shows Singapore’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – dipping below 0.4. A Gini coefficient above 0.4 usually signals a large income gap. After taking into account taxes and transfers, it fell from 0.452 to 0.398 last year.

What causes income inequality in Singapore?

Income inequality in Singapore is one of the issues that Singapore has been contending with and is driven by factors like deep-rooted social stratification and entrenched beliefs and attitudes towards redistribution policies. As such, the widening income gap between the poorest and richest Singaporeans is concerning.

What causes income inequality?

Income inequality varies by social factors such as sexual identity, gender identity, age, and race or ethnicity, leading to a wider gap between the upper and working class.

Why is income inequality so high in Singapore?

Because of our high income inequality, the median monthly household income, reflecting the income level at the centre of distribution, is a better gauge of income distribution in Singapore.

What kind of income growth does Singapore have?

Singapore has seen relatively strong income growth across a broad base of its citizens, as well as higher mobility than most other developed countries. This provides an important context for viewing income inequality. Singapore has nevertheless taken measures to mitigate inequality over the last decade.

What is the current Gini coefficient in Singapore?

According to the 2019 Department of Statistics’ Key Household Income Trends report, Singapore’s Gini coefficient stands at a low 0.452. This is less than the value of 0.458 in 2018 and is the lowest value in about 20 years, as in 2001, the value was 0.454.

What is the Gini of Singapore after taxes?

 After including taxes and transfers, Singapore’s Gini falls to 0.37, reflecting the tilt in fiscal policies in favour of the lower- and middle-income groups. This reduction in Gini is less than in most of the OECD countries.