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The Making of the Middle-Class in Africa: Evidence from DHS Data
Authors: Abebe Shimeles and Mthuli Ncube
Source: Journal of Development Studies, 51(2): 178-193, DOI:10.1080/00220388.2014.968137
Topic(s): Economics
Country: Africa
  Multiple African Countries
Published: FEB 2015
Abstract: This article examines the size and profile of the middle class in Africa using alternative definitions based on pooled unit record data from the Demographic and Health Survey for 37 African countries covering the period 1990–2011. Results suggest that size of the middle class has grown modestly in many countries in the 2000 decade as compared with the 1990s. The article approached the making of the middle class in Africa from institutional and policy perspectives. Quality of institutions, ethnic fractionalisation and education play a significant role in determining the rise of the middle class.
Web: http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Knowledge/AEC%202012%20-%20%20The%20Making%20of%20the%20Middle%20Class%20in%20Africa.pdf