Determinants of Social Inclusion in South Asia
The Role of Education, ICT , Economic Growth, Trade, and Gender Equality
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12306222 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Md Saiful Islam (0000-0002-5690-5971, Department of Economics and Finance, College of Business Administration University of Hail Hail Saudi Arabia, corresponding author), Tahir Akhtar (0000-0003-2067-4021, Department of Economics and Finance, College of Business Administration University of Hail Hail Saudi Arabia) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-02-09 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sustainable Development (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0968-0802 • E-ISSN: 1099-1719 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/sd.70763 |
| OpenAlex | W7128472519 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 45 |
Social inclusion is important for Sustainable Development in South Asia, as the region comprises a diverse range of socio‐economic systems, with substantial gender inequality and a digital divide. Education, ICT, economic development, trade openness, and gender equality may influence social inclusion in the region. Using five major South Asian economies, this study investigates the influence of education/Mean Year of Schooling (MYS), ICT, economic development (GDPPC), trade openness, and gender equality upon social inclusion using panel data from 2000 to 2023. By applying advanced econometric methodologies, such as Cross‐Sectionally Augmented ARDL (CS‐ARDL), Common Correlated Mean Group (CCEMG), and Two‐Stage Least Squares Instrumental Variables (2SLS‐IV) to control for cross‐sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and potential endogeneity, the results support that education has a considerable positive impact upon social inclusion, highlighting the importance of education to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development within South Asia. Conversely, economic growth exhibits a negative relationship with social inclusion, suggesting growth has been non‐inclusive. ICT, trade openness, and gender equality show positive but statistically insignificant effects, indicating structural barriers limit their potential. These findings have direct policy implications: South Asian governments must implement integrated strategies that prioritize educational quality and access, redesign growth policies to ensure broader benefit distribution, bridge digital divides through targeted infrastructure, and strengthen gender empowerment through institutional reforms. The study provides empirical evidence to guide SDG‐aligned policy formulation, particularly for Goals 4 (Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequality) in the region
Economic inequality · Empowerment · Financial inclusion · Inclusion (mineral · Inequality · Instrumental variable · Panel data · Social inequality · Sustainable development · Economic Growth and Development · Income, Poverty, and Inequality · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare
Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth
Reimagining our futures together
Growth still is good for the poor
Factor Immobility and Regional Impacts of Trade Liberalization
Why Don't We See Poverty Convergence?
The Arrival of Fast Internet and Employment in Africa
What Explains Uneven Female Labor Force Participation Levels and Trends in Developing Countries?
Common correlated effects estimation of heterogeneous dynamic panel data models with weakly exogenous regressors
Testing slope homogeneity in large panels with serial correlation
Gender Equality and Economic Growth
Forecasting with panel data
Building State Capacity
General Diagnostic Tests for Cross Section Dependence in Panels
Panel Cointegration
Testing slope homogeneity in large panels
A simple panel unit root test in the presence of cross‐section dependence
Creating Capabilities
Intentional sustainable communities and sustainable development goals
Financial development and income inequality
Disability, poverty and education
Gender equality and women's empowerment
Shifting Landscape of Rural Transformation in Bangladesh
Distributive Politics and Economic Growth
Education Gender Gaps in Pakistan
Mobile Phones and Economic Development in Africa
| Highly cited | No |
|---|