Anthony Shorrocks: The Pioneering Development Economist

A Career Dedicated to Understanding Income and Wealth Distribution

Anthony F. Shorrocks is a British development economist renowned for his groundbreaking work on income and wealth distribution, inequality, poverty, and mobility. He is perhaps best known for introducing the Shorrocks index, a seminal measure that estimates income mobility by comparing short-term and long-term earnings.

Academic Career and Appointments

Shorrocks' academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Sussex. He then pursued a Masters in Economics at Brown University, followed by a Ph.D. in Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE) in 1973. During his Ph.D., he was awarded the prestigious Bowley Prize in 1975. His academic career has spanned several esteemed institutions, including the University of Essex, where he worked before joining the LSE as a professor. Between 2001 and 2009, he served as the Director of the United Nations University's World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER).

The Shorrocks Index: A Measure of Income Mobility

In 1978, Shorrocks introduced a measure that revolutionized the understanding of income mobility. The Shorrocks index, also known as the Shorrocks mobility index or Shorrocks rigidity index, estimates whether income inequality is permanent or temporary. It compares the Gini coefficient of short-term earnings, such as annual income, to that of long-term earnings, like 5-year or 10-year total income. This innovative approach has enabled researchers to assess the extent to which a country or region enables economic mobility, allowing individuals to move up the income ladder.

Professional Recognition and Contributions

Shorrocks has been elected a Fellow of the Econometric Society, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of economics. He has published numerous papers in leading economic journals, exploring topics such as poverty, inequality, and mobility. Two of his notable books are Collected Works of W.M. Gorman (1995) and Perspectives on Growth and Poverty (2003).

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Shorrocks has received several honors, including the Bowley Prize (1975) and his election as a Fellow of the Econometric Society. These recognitions underscore his profound impact on the field of development economics.

Legacy and Impact

Anthony Shorrocks' work has significantly advanced our understanding of income and wealth distribution, poverty, and mobility. His Shorrocks index has become a standard tool for researchers and policymakers, helping to inform policies that promote economic mobility and reduce inequality. As a pioneer in development economics, Shorrocks' contributions continue to shape the field, inspiring future generations of researchers and scholars.