Covering global, comparative, and single-country contexts, this Research Handbook presents wide-ranging, cutting-edge research on poverty and inequality. It maps out international trends in poverty and inequality and explores the key conceptual and operational frameworks, practical analyses, and policy applications and outcomes. Udaya R. Wagle brings together 27 substantive chapters with research and analyses from a diverse body of established authorities and researchers to create a forum and examine the complex and often under-explored issues related to poverty and inequality. Using empirical data and insights from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the individual chapters examine and explain how economic and social policies and programs have affected poverty and inequality. While unprecedented economic progress in the past few decades has improved standards of living across the globe, the Handbook concludes that creating a just and fair society requires policies that go beyond expanding economic opportunities. Providing a comprehensive coverage of the research and analysis into poverty and inequality, this incisive Handbook will be an invaluable reference text for students and scholars of economics, sociology, social policy, and comparative and development studies. The practical insights into policies and programs covered here will also benefit policymakers and practitioners interested in reducing poverty and inequality globally.