Francis G. Castles
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199270170
- eISBN:
- 9780191601514
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199270171.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
Seeks to use disaggregated measures of social expenditure derived from the OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX) to measure the extent of recent change in the structure of social provision and to ...
More
Seeks to use disaggregated measures of social expenditure derived from the OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX) to measure the extent of recent change in the structure of social provision and to identify types and trajectories of welfare state development. The account shows that change in welfare spending priorities in OECD countries has been much more modest than is commonly thought. It also demonstrates that disaggregated expenditure measures can be used to generate a typology of provision that closely mirrors Esping–Andersen’s three regimes model, but in a way that permits more precise measurement of regime change over time.Less
Seeks to use disaggregated measures of social expenditure derived from the OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX) to measure the extent of recent change in the structure of social provision and to identify types and trajectories of welfare state development. The account shows that change in welfare spending priorities in OECD countries has been much more modest than is commonly thought. It also demonstrates that disaggregated expenditure measures can be used to generate a typology of provision that closely mirrors Esping–Andersen’s three regimes model, but in a way that permits more precise measurement of regime change over time.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This wide‐ranging book synthesizes the findings of a major international study of the political economy of poverty, equity, and growth. It is based primarily on specially commissioned analytical ...
More
This wide‐ranging book synthesizes the findings of a major international study of the political economy of poverty, equity, and growth. It is based primarily on specially commissioned analytical economic histories of 21 developing countries from 1950 to 1985, but also takes account of the much wider literature on the subject. It is an ambitious, interdisciplinary attempt to identify patterns in the interplay of initial conditions, institutions, interests, and ideas that can help to explain the different growth and poverty alleviation outcomes in the Third World. Three types of poverty are distinguished, based on their causes, and a more nebulous notion of equity (in contrast to egalitarianism) is shown to have influenced policy. Since growth is found to be the major means of alleviating mass structural poverty, much of the book is concerned with probing for explanations for policies that are found to be the most important influences on the proximate causes of growth. Available evidence on the role of direct transfers (public and private) in alleviating destitution and conjunctural poverty is also considered. Clear and innovative frameworks are established for comparative study, and evidence is marshalled to argue for the continuing relevance of the classical liberal viewpoint on public policies for development, and to show why, even so, nationalist ideologies are likely to be adopted and lead to cycles of interventionism and liberalism. The evidence is also used to provide an explanation for the surprising current worldwide Age of Reform. The book is suitable for academics and graduate students of development economics and international development policies, and all those involved in fashioning, influencing, and implementing policies for growth and poverty alleviation in the Third World.Less
This wide‐ranging book synthesizes the findings of a major international study of the political economy of poverty, equity, and growth. It is based primarily on specially commissioned analytical economic histories of 21 developing countries from 1950 to 1985, but also takes account of the much wider literature on the subject. It is an ambitious, interdisciplinary attempt to identify patterns in the interplay of initial conditions, institutions, interests, and ideas that can help to explain the different growth and poverty alleviation outcomes in the Third World. Three types of poverty are distinguished, based on their causes, and a more nebulous notion of equity (in contrast to egalitarianism) is shown to have influenced policy. Since growth is found to be the major means of alleviating mass structural poverty, much of the book is concerned with probing for explanations for policies that are found to be the most important influences on the proximate causes of growth. Available evidence on the role of direct transfers (public and private) in alleviating destitution and conjunctural poverty is also considered. Clear and innovative frameworks are established for comparative study, and evidence is marshalled to argue for the continuing relevance of the classical liberal viewpoint on public policies for development, and to show why, even so, nationalist ideologies are likely to be adopted and lead to cycles of interventionism and liberalism. The evidence is also used to provide an explanation for the surprising current worldwide Age of Reform. The book is suitable for academics and graduate students of development economics and international development policies, and all those involved in fashioning, influencing, and implementing policies for growth and poverty alleviation in the Third World.
Kerianne Piester
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198781837
- eISBN:
- 9780191598968
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198781830.003.0019
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Responding to the crisis of shrinking state budgets and rising social demands in the 1980s, the Mexican government experimented with a new participatory poverty alleviation model. Targeting the poor ...
More
Responding to the crisis of shrinking state budgets and rising social demands in the 1980s, the Mexican government experimented with a new participatory poverty alleviation model. Targeting the poor was seen as a means of undermining mass protest against austerity measures and to address the crisis of Mexico's traditional corporate institutions for representation and control. Facing new party competition and the expansion of autonomous grassroots organizations, the PRI government sought to create new linkages with society through a series of poverty programmes. Examines the Popular Housing Fund, the National Food Distribution Program, and the Solidarity Fund. Clientelism persisted in the first two funds. Within Solidarity, the emphasis of the funds on demand‐based projects opened up new spaces for grassroots organizations to participate in a more autonomous fashion. This proved to be mixed success, dependent on local political conditions and pre‐existing community autonomy.Less
Responding to the crisis of shrinking state budgets and rising social demands in the 1980s, the Mexican government experimented with a new participatory poverty alleviation model. Targeting the poor was seen as a means of undermining mass protest against austerity measures and to address the crisis of Mexico's traditional corporate institutions for representation and control. Facing new party competition and the expansion of autonomous grassroots organizations, the PRI government sought to create new linkages with society through a series of poverty programmes. Examines the Popular Housing Fund, the National Food Distribution Program, and the Solidarity Fund. Clientelism persisted in the first two funds. Within Solidarity, the emphasis of the funds on demand‐based projects opened up new spaces for grassroots organizations to participate in a more autonomous fashion. This proved to be mixed success, dependent on local political conditions and pre‐existing community autonomy.
Mukesh Eswaran and Ashok Kotwal
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195305197
- eISBN:
- 9780199783519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195305191.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
As countries develop, their labor force shifts from agriculture to industry and services, and in the process, the well-being of the people improves. This essay sheds some light on the economic logic ...
More
As countries develop, their labor force shifts from agriculture to industry and services, and in the process, the well-being of the people improves. This essay sheds some light on the economic logic that drives the process and on the important role that agricultural productivity plays in it. It argues that agricultural productivity growth is the key to poverty alleviation, and then discusses the policy implications for developing countries. The first section shows how the process of secular decline in poverty is inevitably associated with a movement of labor from agriculture to other sectors, and how agricultural productivity growth facilitates such a movement. The second section discusses the importance of international trade in this process. Both agricultural and trade policies tend to generate political battles because they redistribute incomes from one group to another. This political economy question is addressed in the third section, which also discusses the causes (and consequences) of the observed policy bias against agriculture. The fourth section discusses the two main determinants of agricultural growth-technology and crop diversification, and reflects on the policy options available to poor countries to induce agricultural growth without causing domestic upheavals.Less
As countries develop, their labor force shifts from agriculture to industry and services, and in the process, the well-being of the people improves. This essay sheds some light on the economic logic that drives the process and on the important role that agricultural productivity plays in it. It argues that agricultural productivity growth is the key to poverty alleviation, and then discusses the policy implications for developing countries. The first section shows how the process of secular decline in poverty is inevitably associated with a movement of labor from agriculture to other sectors, and how agricultural productivity growth facilitates such a movement. The second section discusses the importance of international trade in this process. Both agricultural and trade policies tend to generate political battles because they redistribute incomes from one group to another. This political economy question is addressed in the third section, which also discusses the causes (and consequences) of the observed policy bias against agriculture. The fourth section discusses the two main determinants of agricultural growth-technology and crop diversification, and reflects on the policy options available to poor countries to induce agricultural growth without causing domestic upheavals.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0010
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter analyses the empirical lessons of economic policy for various redistributive programmes for poverty alleviation arising from the sample of developing countries examined in the book. It ...
More
This chapter analyses the empirical lessons of economic policy for various redistributive programmes for poverty alleviation arising from the sample of developing countries examined in the book. It also looks explicitly at the political economy of public income transfers, and finds that both in theory and practice the role of direct transfers in alleviating poverty is likely to be limited. The eight sections of the chapter are (1) mass poverty and growth: the evidence from the country studies; (2) the direct method of alleviating structural poverty; (3) conjunctural poverty, destitution, and transfers; (4) private versus public transfers in social safety nets; (5) the political economy of public income transfers; (6) unintended consequences of welfare states; (7) classical liberal principles and labour‐market insurance; and (8) guidelines for public action on social safety nets.Less
This chapter analyses the empirical lessons of economic policy for various redistributive programmes for poverty alleviation arising from the sample of developing countries examined in the book. It also looks explicitly at the political economy of public income transfers, and finds that both in theory and practice the role of direct transfers in alleviating poverty is likely to be limited. The eight sections of the chapter are (1) mass poverty and growth: the evidence from the country studies; (2) the direct method of alleviating structural poverty; (3) conjunctural poverty, destitution, and transfers; (4) private versus public transfers in social safety nets; (5) the political economy of public income transfers; (6) unintended consequences of welfare states; (7) classical liberal principles and labour‐market insurance; and (8) guidelines for public action on social safety nets.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The interrelationships between poverty, equity, and growth are addressed. The first section of the chapter deals with various issues on the measurement of wealth and welfare, and provides a ...
More
The interrelationships between poverty, equity, and growth are addressed. The first section of the chapter deals with various issues on the measurement of wealth and welfare, and provides a discussion of the reasons why a positive rather than the usual normative approach has been taken to study questions of growth, poverty, and equity; it also explains why the usual concern with statistical measures of inequality of incomes has been eschewed. The next three sections of the chapter deal with the question of whether growth can be expected to alleviate poverty. This is answered by distinguishing between three different types of poverty, and two differing ethical perspectives on questions of poverty alleviation. The final section summarizes the evidence from the country studies on whether growth can be expected to alleviate mass structural poverty.Less
The interrelationships between poverty, equity, and growth are addressed. The first section of the chapter deals with various issues on the measurement of wealth and welfare, and provides a discussion of the reasons why a positive rather than the usual normative approach has been taken to study questions of growth, poverty, and equity; it also explains why the usual concern with statistical measures of inequality of incomes has been eschewed. The next three sections of the chapter deal with the question of whether growth can be expected to alleviate poverty. This is answered by distinguishing between three different types of poverty, and two differing ethical perspectives on questions of poverty alleviation. The final section summarizes the evidence from the country studies on whether growth can be expected to alleviate mass structural poverty.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The thinking behind the method of pairing countries used in the book for the purpose of comparative analysis of their economic history is explained. The salient relationships are then outlined ...
More
The thinking behind the method of pairing countries used in the book for the purpose of comparative analysis of their economic history is explained. The salient relationships are then outlined between economic policies and the outcomes of economic growth, poverty alleviation, and income distribution that have emerged from the pairwise country comparisons. The two main findings of the analysis are that (1) there is a close relationship between a country's success or failure in pursuing policies to expand exports and its rate of economic growth; and (2) the growth in income per capita of a country tends to reduce poverty in an absolute sense, although income distribution in a relative sense may become more or less equal with economic growth. The last part of the chapter presents the pairwise country profiles. The first is a group of five small open economies that are divided into two pairs—Hong Kong and Singapore, and Jamaica and Mauritius, linked by a fifth country—Malta; the remaining pairs are Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Thailand and Ghana, Brazil and Mexico, Uruguay and Costa Rica, Colombia and Peru, Egypt and Turkey, Nigeria and Indonesia, and Malawi and Madagascar.Less
The thinking behind the method of pairing countries used in the book for the purpose of comparative analysis of their economic history is explained. The salient relationships are then outlined between economic policies and the outcomes of economic growth, poverty alleviation, and income distribution that have emerged from the pairwise country comparisons. The two main findings of the analysis are that (1) there is a close relationship between a country's success or failure in pursuing policies to expand exports and its rate of economic growth; and (2) the growth in income per capita of a country tends to reduce poverty in an absolute sense, although income distribution in a relative sense may become more or less equal with economic growth. The last part of the chapter presents the pairwise country profiles. The first is a group of five small open economies that are divided into two pairs—Hong Kong and Singapore, and Jamaica and Mauritius, linked by a fifth country—Malta; the remaining pairs are Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Thailand and Ghana, Brazil and Mexico, Uruguay and Costa Rica, Colombia and Peru, Egypt and Turkey, Nigeria and Indonesia, and Malawi and Madagascar.
Gustavo Flores-Macías
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199891658
- eISBN:
- 9780199933402
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199891658.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
Chapter 2 conducts a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the left’s economic policies in Latin America. By way of defining the dependent variable of the study, this chapter first breaks down ...
More
Chapter 2 conducts a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the left’s economic policies in Latin America. By way of defining the dependent variable of the study, this chapter first breaks down reforms into five main areas: privatizations/nationalizations; government spending; taxation; trade, financial, and monetary liberalization; and poverty alleviation. Second, it classifies countries based on the degree to which they carried out statist or pro-market policies. Third, it assesses the state of economic reforms in the region. Focusing on ten countries—eight governed by the left and two by the right as controls—Chapter 2 finds that, although remaining within the margins of a market economy, leftist governments were more likely to depart from market orthodoxy than their right-of-center counterparts, but that there is considerable variation among leftist governments’ policies. It also finds that nationalizations, taxation, and trade, financial, and monetary liberalization were the areas that experienced the most intervention in the economy.Less
Chapter 2 conducts a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the left’s economic policies in Latin America. By way of defining the dependent variable of the study, this chapter first breaks down reforms into five main areas: privatizations/nationalizations; government spending; taxation; trade, financial, and monetary liberalization; and poverty alleviation. Second, it classifies countries based on the degree to which they carried out statist or pro-market policies. Third, it assesses the state of economic reforms in the region. Focusing on ten countries—eight governed by the left and two by the right as controls—Chapter 2 finds that, although remaining within the margins of a market economy, leftist governments were more likely to depart from market orthodoxy than their right-of-center counterparts, but that there is considerable variation among leftist governments’ policies. It also finds that nationalizations, taxation, and trade, financial, and monetary liberalization were the areas that experienced the most intervention in the economy.
Vijay Joshi and I. M. D. Little
- Published in print:
- 1996
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198290780
- eISBN:
- 9780191596506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198290780.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The effect of industrial reform on the social sector is the main aspect of this chapter. It examines the different effects of reform on the level of poverty in India. The authors propose ways to ...
More
The effect of industrial reform on the social sector is the main aspect of this chapter. It examines the different effects of reform on the level of poverty in India. The authors propose ways to reform the industrial sector and comment on the likely effects of these changes on poverty levels in the short and long terms. There is also a brief discussion on the education and health sector.Less
The effect of industrial reform on the social sector is the main aspect of this chapter. It examines the different effects of reform on the level of poverty in India. The authors propose ways to reform the industrial sector and comment on the likely effects of these changes on poverty levels in the short and long terms. There is also a brief discussion on the education and health sector.
Giovanni Andrea Cornia, Tony Addison, and Sampsa Kiiski
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- August 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199271412
- eISBN:
- 9780191601255
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199271410.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Analyses the trends in within‐country inequality during the post‐Second World War period, with particular attention to the last 20 years, on the basis of a review of the relevant literature and of an ...
More
Analyses the trends in within‐country inequality during the post‐Second World War period, with particular attention to the last 20 years, on the basis of a review of the relevant literature and of an econometric analysis of inequality trends in 73 countries accounting for 80% of the world's population and 91% of world gross domestic product–purchasing power parities (GDP–PPP). Suggests that the last two decades (the 1980s and 1990s) have been characterized by a surge in within‐country inequality in about two‐thirds of the developing, developed, and transitional nations analysed. Also suggests that in those countries where the upsurge in inequality was sizeable or where inequality rose from already high levels, growth, and poverty alleviation slowed down perceptibly. While this trend towards higher inequality differs substantially across countries in its extent, timing, and specific causes, it marks a clear departure from that observed during the first 30 years of the post‐Second Word War period during which, with the exception of Latin America and parts of sub‐Saharan Africa, a widespread move towards greater egalitarianism was noted in most of the socialist, developing, and industrialized economies.Less
Analyses the trends in within‐country inequality during the post‐Second World War period, with particular attention to the last 20 years, on the basis of a review of the relevant literature and of an econometric analysis of inequality trends in 73 countries accounting for 80% of the world's population and 91% of world gross domestic product–purchasing power parities (GDP–PPP). Suggests that the last two decades (the 1980s and 1990s) have been characterized by a surge in within‐country inequality in about two‐thirds of the developing, developed, and transitional nations analysed. Also suggests that in those countries where the upsurge in inequality was sizeable or where inequality rose from already high levels, growth, and poverty alleviation slowed down perceptibly. While this trend towards higher inequality differs substantially across countries in its extent, timing, and specific causes, it marks a clear departure from that observed during the first 30 years of the post‐Second Word War period during which, with the exception of Latin America and parts of sub‐Saharan Africa, a widespread move towards greater egalitarianism was noted in most of the socialist, developing, and industrialized economies.
Judith Banister
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199299294
- eISBN:
- 9780191715082
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199299294.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This chapter concentrates on mortality decline and the impact of China's economic reform and poverty eradication program on improving life expectancy. It shows that mortality in China, even in poor ...
More
This chapter concentrates on mortality decline and the impact of China's economic reform and poverty eradication program on improving life expectancy. It shows that mortality in China, even in poor areas, further decreased during the reform era. The major contributing factors to this change are rapid economic growth, the success in poverty alleviation in poor regions, and the considerable improvement in people's living standards. Regional variations in mortality are also addressed.Less
This chapter concentrates on mortality decline and the impact of China's economic reform and poverty eradication program on improving life expectancy. It shows that mortality in China, even in poor areas, further decreased during the reform era. The major contributing factors to this change are rapid economic growth, the success in poverty alleviation in poor regions, and the considerable improvement in people's living standards. Regional variations in mortality are also addressed.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The last chapter provides a highly condensed summary (in the first section) of the patterns that have been discovered in the determinants of policies and outcomes analysed in the previous chapters. ...
More
The last chapter provides a highly condensed summary (in the first section) of the patterns that have been discovered in the determinants of policies and outcomes analysed in the previous chapters. These address (1) poverty and equity, (2) growth performance, (3) stylized patterns of endowments, polity, and economic policy, and (4) nationalism, dirigisme, and liberalization. The final section outlines and defends a ‘classical’ liberal economic framework for economic policy, to promote poverty‐redressing growth, which is supported by the arguments and evidence presented in the book.Less
The last chapter provides a highly condensed summary (in the first section) of the patterns that have been discovered in the determinants of policies and outcomes analysed in the previous chapters. These address (1) poverty and equity, (2) growth performance, (3) stylized patterns of endowments, polity, and economic policy, and (4) nationalism, dirigisme, and liberalization. The final section outlines and defends a ‘classical’ liberal economic framework for economic policy, to promote poverty‐redressing growth, which is supported by the arguments and evidence presented in the book.
Nilabja Ghosh and Basudeb Guha‐Khasnobis
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199236558
- eISBN:
- 9780191717031
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199236558.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
During liberalization in India, public works programmes are intended to be more targeted and integrated with other social objectives through innovative designing. In particular, the government is all ...
More
During liberalization in India, public works programmes are intended to be more targeted and integrated with other social objectives through innovative designing. In particular, the government is all set to use public works programmes, known for their self-selective properties, as a nationwide instrument to confer earning opportunity to rural people backed by legal reinforcement. This chapter considers targeting as the principal qualification of any welfare programme in today's context. Using NSSO data on four different states, it examines how far existing programmes have successfully targeted the food insecure in India.Less
During liberalization in India, public works programmes are intended to be more targeted and integrated with other social objectives through innovative designing. In particular, the government is all set to use public works programmes, known for their self-selective properties, as a nationwide instrument to confer earning opportunity to rural people backed by legal reinforcement. This chapter considers targeting as the principal qualification of any welfare programme in today's context. Using NSSO data on four different states, it examines how far existing programmes have successfully targeted the food insecure in India.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the ...
More
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the book are addressed. In this chapter, a fivefold classification of the polity is introduced, and it is shown how two models of the ’autonomous’ and ’factional’ state can be applied to these subdivisions. The importance is identified of the interaction between different factor endowments and politics in generating macroeconomic crises that lead to growth collapses, as well as the role of these crises in the political economy of reform.Less
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the book are addressed. In this chapter, a fivefold classification of the polity is introduced, and it is shown how two models of the ’autonomous’ and ’factional’ state can be applied to these subdivisions. The importance is identified of the interaction between different factor endowments and politics in generating macroeconomic crises that lead to growth collapses, as well as the role of these crises in the political economy of reform.
Graciana del Castillo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199237739
- eISBN:
- 9780191717239
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199237739.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, International
This chapter argues that a stronger capacity for international assistance, in conjunction with a sound strategy for economic reconstruction at the country level, would greatly improve a country's ...
More
This chapter argues that a stronger capacity for international assistance, in conjunction with a sound strategy for economic reconstruction at the country level, would greatly improve a country's chances of success in consolidating peace and in fully devoting its resources and energies to the normal challenge of development and poverty alleviation. The chapter argues in favor of greater flexibility and more aid on concessional terms from the international financial institutions (IFIs) and other donors on the one hand, and on the other, for post-conflict countries to assume greater responsibility and accountability for dealing with aid and reconstruction issues. The chapter discusses issues of aid (official flows, tied aid, post-conflict vs development aid); budgets; external debt; conditionality; concessionality; technical assistance; and governance related to economic reconstruction. It also proposes measures to improve the mechanisms and capabilities of the international community as a whole to carry out effective reconstruction in the future.Less
This chapter argues that a stronger capacity for international assistance, in conjunction with a sound strategy for economic reconstruction at the country level, would greatly improve a country's chances of success in consolidating peace and in fully devoting its resources and energies to the normal challenge of development and poverty alleviation. The chapter argues in favor of greater flexibility and more aid on concessional terms from the international financial institutions (IFIs) and other donors on the one hand, and on the other, for post-conflict countries to assume greater responsibility and accountability for dealing with aid and reconstruction issues. The chapter discusses issues of aid (official flows, tied aid, post-conflict vs development aid); budgets; external debt; conditionality; concessionality; technical assistance; and governance related to economic reconstruction. It also proposes measures to improve the mechanisms and capabilities of the international community as a whole to carry out effective reconstruction in the future.
Kwabena Donkor
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781861343956
- eISBN:
- 9781447304340
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861343956.003.0009
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Anti-poverty policies in and for poor countries deserve even more intensive appraisal to find why they are failing to work. This chapter describes the ever-worsening situation in Sub-Saharan Africa, ...
More
Anti-poverty policies in and for poor countries deserve even more intensive appraisal to find why they are failing to work. This chapter describes the ever-worsening situation in Sub-Saharan Africa, recording the weakest economic-growth and development rates of all developing regions. In Ghana, 40 per cent of the population were recorded as being in poverty in 1998–9 and 27 per cent were in extreme poverty. The discussion argues that it is wrong to focus on the actions and responsibilities of individual governments. It was the role of global economic and political arrangements in the impoverishment of individuals, communities, and nations that had to be given most attention. In the late 1980s, the first instrument of poverty alleviation under adjustment was the Programme of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost of Adjustment (PAMSCAD). However, it turned out to be fraud perpetrated on the poor of Ghana by the government and its international backers.Less
Anti-poverty policies in and for poor countries deserve even more intensive appraisal to find why they are failing to work. This chapter describes the ever-worsening situation in Sub-Saharan Africa, recording the weakest economic-growth and development rates of all developing regions. In Ghana, 40 per cent of the population were recorded as being in poverty in 1998–9 and 27 per cent were in extreme poverty. The discussion argues that it is wrong to focus on the actions and responsibilities of individual governments. It was the role of global economic and political arrangements in the impoverishment of individuals, communities, and nations that had to be given most attention. In the late 1980s, the first instrument of poverty alleviation under adjustment was the Programme of Action to Mitigate the Social Cost of Adjustment (PAMSCAD). However, it turned out to be fraud perpetrated on the poor of Ghana by the government and its international backers.
Deepak Lal and H. Myint
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294320
- eISBN:
- 9780191596582
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294328.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the ...
More
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the book are addressed. In this chapter, the interplay of ideas and ideology in the formulation of economic policy is introduced. The dominant ideology of economic nationalism is put into historical perspective, as reminiscent of the nation‐building sought by the absolutist monarchies of Renaissance Europe; the similarities between their mercantilist systems of government control and the dirigiste economic policies of developing countries are highlighted. The impetus for reform in both cases is shown to be the paradoxical promotion of economic disorder by attempts to increase the span of government control. The process of economic liberalization (liberalism) in the nineteenth‐century Age of Reform and the current wave in the Third (and Second) World are shown to stem from the same desire of nation‐builders to reassert control over economics made increasingly ungovernable by past dirigisme.Less
Some of the deeper political and ideological factors that can help in explaining different policies and growth, and poverty‐alleviation outcomes in the sample of developing countries examined in the book are addressed. In this chapter, the interplay of ideas and ideology in the formulation of economic policy is introduced. The dominant ideology of economic nationalism is put into historical perspective, as reminiscent of the nation‐building sought by the absolutist monarchies of Renaissance Europe; the similarities between their mercantilist systems of government control and the dirigiste economic policies of developing countries are highlighted. The impetus for reform in both cases is shown to be the paradoxical promotion of economic disorder by attempts to increase the span of government control. The process of economic liberalization (liberalism) in the nineteenth‐century Age of Reform and the current wave in the Third (and Second) World are shown to stem from the same desire of nation‐builders to reassert control over economics made increasingly ungovernable by past dirigisme.
A. B. Atkinson (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199278558
- eISBN:
- 9780191601590
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199278555.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
As their Millennium Development Goals, world leaders have pledged by 2015 to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to reduce child ...
More
As their Millennium Development Goals, world leaders have pledged by 2015 to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to reduce child mortality, to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to halve the number of people without safe drinking water. Achieving these goals requires a large increase in the flow of financial resources to developing countries – double the present development assistance from abroad. In examining innovative ways to secure these resources, this book, which is part of the UNU–WIDER Studies in Development Economics series, sets out a framework for the economic analysis of different sources of funding and applying the tools of modern public economics to identify the key issues. It examines the role of new sources of overseas aid, considers the fiscal architecture and the lessons that can be learned from federal fiscal systems, asks how far increased transfers impose a burden on donors, and investigates how far the raising of resources can be separated from their use. In turn, the book examines global environmental taxes (such as a carbon tax), the taxation of currency transactions (the Tobin tax), a development‐focused allocation of Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UK Government proposal for an International Finance Facility, increased private donations for development purposes, a global lottery (or premium bond), and increased remittances by emigrants. In each case, it considers the feasibility of the proposal and the resources that it can realistically raise, and offers new perspectives and insights into these new and controversial proposals.Less
As their Millennium Development Goals, world leaders have pledged by 2015 to halve the number of people living in extreme poverty and hunger, to achieve universal primary education, to reduce child mortality, to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to halve the number of people without safe drinking water. Achieving these goals requires a large increase in the flow of financial resources to developing countries – double the present development assistance from abroad. In examining innovative ways to secure these resources, this book, which is part of the UNU–WIDER Studies in Development Economics series, sets out a framework for the economic analysis of different sources of funding and applying the tools of modern public economics to identify the key issues. It examines the role of new sources of overseas aid, considers the fiscal architecture and the lessons that can be learned from federal fiscal systems, asks how far increased transfers impose a burden on donors, and investigates how far the raising of resources can be separated from their use. In turn, the book examines global environmental taxes (such as a carbon tax), the taxation of currency transactions (the Tobin tax), a development‐focused allocation of Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the UK Government proposal for an International Finance Facility, increased private donations for development purposes, a global lottery (or premium bond), and increased remittances by emigrants. In each case, it considers the feasibility of the proposal and the resources that it can realistically raise, and offers new perspectives and insights into these new and controversial proposals.
Patrick Stewart
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199751501
- eISBN:
- 9780199895366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199751501.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter summarizes the preceding discussions and presents some recommendations. This book has sought to map the intersection between state weakness and particular threats, and to trace those ...
More
This chapter summarizes the preceding discussions and presents some recommendations. This book has sought to map the intersection between state weakness and particular threats, and to trace those “spillovers” to specific gaps in state capacity or will. As its findings show, the overlap between state weakness and today's most pressing transnational threats is hardly clear-cut, much less universal. It depends on the threat in question, the specific sources and manifestations of state weakness, and the will of ruling regimes to deliver effective governance and control transnational spillovers. In sum, it is a mistake to frame the world's fragile states, as a cohort, as a mortal threat to US and global security. Policymakers and analysts alike need to take a collective “time out”, and begin an honest conversation about the relative strategic importance of fragile states—as well as the alternative rationales, including alleviating poverty and human suffering, for engaging them.Less
This chapter summarizes the preceding discussions and presents some recommendations. This book has sought to map the intersection between state weakness and particular threats, and to trace those “spillovers” to specific gaps in state capacity or will. As its findings show, the overlap between state weakness and today's most pressing transnational threats is hardly clear-cut, much less universal. It depends on the threat in question, the specific sources and manifestations of state weakness, and the will of ruling regimes to deliver effective governance and control transnational spillovers. In sum, it is a mistake to frame the world's fragile states, as a cohort, as a mortal threat to US and global security. Policymakers and analysts alike need to take a collective “time out”, and begin an honest conversation about the relative strategic importance of fragile states—as well as the alternative rationales, including alleviating poverty and human suffering, for engaging them.
Lynette H. Ong
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780801450624
- eISBN:
- 9780801465956
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9780801450624.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter examines rural credit cooperatives (RCCs) in the context of China's rural financial landscape, with particular emphasis on their significance to the rural economy and households. China's ...
More
This chapter examines rural credit cooperatives (RCCs) in the context of China's rural financial landscape, with particular emphasis on their significance to the rural economy and households. China's rural financial system serves roughly 800 million people, who live in large swaths of hinterland in the central and western provinces and in rural and peri-urban locales in the eastern coastal provinces. Despite a diverse range of credit demands, the official rural financial sector has been largely monopolized by RCCs and, until the late 1990s, the state-owned Agricultural Bank of China (ABC). Since 1998, the ABC has been offering poverty alleviation loans at a subsidized interest rate to rural households in poor counties. This chapter first provides an overview of China's rural financial sector before discussing the importance of rural savings for rural households. It then considers township and village enterprises and the history of RCCs, along with the informal credit sector. It shows that the savings of rural households have been channeled to finance urban development, reflecting an inherent urban bias in China's development strategy.Less
This chapter examines rural credit cooperatives (RCCs) in the context of China's rural financial landscape, with particular emphasis on their significance to the rural economy and households. China's rural financial system serves roughly 800 million people, who live in large swaths of hinterland in the central and western provinces and in rural and peri-urban locales in the eastern coastal provinces. Despite a diverse range of credit demands, the official rural financial sector has been largely monopolized by RCCs and, until the late 1990s, the state-owned Agricultural Bank of China (ABC). Since 1998, the ABC has been offering poverty alleviation loans at a subsidized interest rate to rural households in poor counties. This chapter first provides an overview of China's rural financial sector before discussing the importance of rural savings for rural households. It then considers township and village enterprises and the history of RCCs, along with the informal credit sector. It shows that the savings of rural households have been channeled to finance urban development, reflecting an inherent urban bias in China's development strategy.
