Dynamics of Multidimensional Inequality Across Different Occupations in Pakistan

Tremendous increase in occupational multidimensional inequality has become an emerging challenge across the developing globe. Present research examines the inequality in uni-dimensional and multidimensional spectrum across different occupations at provincial level in Pakistan through HIES/PSLM survey data for the years 1998–1999 and 2013–2014. The estimation of uni-dimensional inequality based upon positive and normative measures (Gini-coefficient; and Atkinson measure and Generalized Entropy Index). Analysis of multidimensional inequality employs the methodology of Araar (The hybrid multidimensional index of inequality. CIRPEE. Working Paper 09-45, 2009), while using three core dimensions i.e. health, education and housing services. Results indicate the reduction in inequality among all occupations in uni-dimensional context over the time, with the exception of self-employed group, which have experienced higher consumption inequality. The figures of multidimensional inequality identify that daily wage labor has experienced higher inequality in multidimensional context, because of having smaller income that restrict them to enjoy the basic facilities of life as compare to higher income groups associated with other professions. At the provincial level, Punjab has lower multidimensional inequality across all professions, which was mainly attributed to the fact that wider population of such provinces belong to urban areas and having good access to basic facilities and other necessities of life. Contrarely, Baluchistan has higher multidimensional inequality, mainly due to over spread rural sector along with poor access to basic facilities like as health, education & housing services.