How does intra-household inequality shape socio-economic outcomes? Discuss this
relationship by making reference to specific socio-economic outcomes (e.g.
agricultural production, consumption, food security) and using evidence from one
or more countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Above is the essay question for the module economic development in africa.
To get top marks please follow this criteria.
Lecture/seminar notes and reading list as your starting point, then go beyond this
through reference snowballing and independent searches
• Questions are set in fairly broad terms intentionally, to give you the opportunity to make
choices – make your choices explicitly and state the aims of the essay
• Make sure that you understand the literature and draw relations across the literature you
read, engage critically with it: your own RE-ELABORATION of the literature is of the
essence
2
• Structure is VERY important – make sure that each paragraph develops a (part of) point
clearly and that it is well integrated in a coherent narrative/logic; it is suggested to use
headings
• This is a regional module so it is essential that you use empirical examples or a case
study from Africa; you should strike a good balance between theoretical and empirical
engagement
• The use of graphs/tables is not compulsory but recommended; if you use graphs/tables,
do refer to them in the text
Title: The Impact of Intra-Household Inequality on Socio-Economic Outcomes: A Study of Sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction:
Introduce the concept of intra-household inequality and its relevance in shaping socio-economic outcomes.
Provide a brief overview of the essay’s structure and the importance of studying this relationship.
Outline the specific socio-economic outcomes to be discussed and the focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Body:
Understanding Intra-Household Inequality:
Define intra-household inequality and its components.
Discuss theories and frameworks used to analyze intra-household dynamics.
Highlight the significance of studying intra-household inequality in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Socio-Economic Outcomes and Agricultural Production:
Examine how intra-household inequality affects agricultural production.
Discuss the allocation of resources within households and its impact on agricultural productivity.
Provide evidence from studies or data on agricultural outcomes in Sub-Saharan African countries.
Socio-Economic Outcomes and Consumption Patterns:
Analyze the relationship between intra-household inequality and consumption patterns.
Explore how resource distribution within households influences consumption decisions.
Present empirical evidence or case studies illustrating consumption disparities within households in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Socio-Economic Outcomes and Food Security:
Investigate the link between intra-household inequality and food security.
Discuss access to food, nutrition, and vulnerability to food insecurity within households.
Utilize examples or research findings to illustrate the impact of intra-household inequality on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion:
Summarize the key findings regarding the relationship between intra-household inequality and socio-economic outcomes.
Emphasize the importance of addressing intra-household dynamics for improving overall welfare and development outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Suggest potential policy implications or areas for further research to mitigate intra-household inequality and its negative consequences on socio-economic outcomes.
80+ (First Class)
A mark of 80+ will fulfil the following criteria:
• shows clear evidence of wide and relevant reading and an engagement with the conceptual
issues
• develops a sophisticated and intelligent argument
• shows a rigorous use and a confident understanding of relevant source materials
• achieves an appropriate balance between factual detail and key theoretical issues
• provides evidence of original thinking
