It is often claimed that one of the beneficial results of growth has been the abatement of poverty. Why do some anti-growth economists challenge this claim? How do mainstream economists reply?

The core claim is that economic growth has beneficial results, particularly in reducing poverty levels. Economic growth refers to the increase in a country's productive capacity, usually measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The idea is that as the economy grows, more resources and opportunities are generated, leading to a better standard of living, including poverty reduction.

Anti-growth economists argue that the benefits of economic growth are not distributed evenly and may not result in poverty alleviation in the following ways: 1. Economic growth can often lead to income inequality, where wealth becomes concentrated among a small percentage of the population. This can result in the poorest segments of society not benefiting, or even experiencing reduced access to resources. 2. Environmental degradation can result from rapid economic growth, leading to long-term negative impacts on resources, and consequently, the ability to generate income and alleviate poverty. For example, deforestation and pollution can undermine the livelihoods of many people in the long run. 3. Economic growth might not always translate into better social progress and well-being. For instance, countries with high GDP might still have a significant percentage of the population living in poverty due to the lack of proper social safety nets and infrastructure.

Mainstream economists tend to agree that economic growth is an essential driver for poverty reduction but may also propose additional measures to ensure more equal distribution of benefits. They argue that: 1. Economic growth correlates with improvements in living standards, increased access to education, health, and social services. Therefore, despite possible inequalities, growth generally leads to better overall conditions for a nation’s citizens including the poor. 2. They acknowledge the importance of environmental sustainability but assert that growth could be pursued in an ecologically responsible manner by adopting greener technologies and practices, causing less harm to the environment. 3. Mainstream economists advise implementing effective policies that ensure equal distribution of growth benefits, such as progressive taxation, social safety nets, and infrastructure investments. In conclusion, both anti-growth and mainstream economists bring essential aspects to the discussion. While the former caution against overlooking potential negative consequences of growth, the latter emphasize economic growth as a primary tool to improve living conditions and alleviate poverty. Appropriate policies and balanced growth strategies are key to addressing concerns raised by both sides.