AN EFFORT TO DEFINE REGIONAL INEQUALITIES IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD

Abstract Differences in the theoretical and methodological frameworks for the definition and measurement of regional inequality in the contemporary world interfere in the way we understand the varying regional dynamics within each country and affect the development of public policy. In the present study, we discuss recent topics that contemplate regional inequality at the intra-national scale, based on a bibliographical analysis that contemplates the contributions of several authors. The central problem addressed in this paper is the differences and relationships between socioeconomic and regional inequalities. We aim to contribute to the recent research that focuses on the analysis of the dynamics of regional inequality in different sociospatial contexts, in particular, the identification of the determinants of regional inequality and development, and the institutions that most influence these processes, in order to problematize the role of public policy in regional dynamics. We conclude that regional inequality is caused and affected by a complex and interrelated set of elements, at different spatial scales and in different forms. While each country presents its own set of determinants, they are in part related to broader processes, which are present at a global scale. A spatial, multidimensional and multiscale approach will thus be necessary to overcome regional inequalities.