Issuu

Institute of Social Studies

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Volume 1, number 1, December 1999

The EGAL project

Amartya Sen awarded Nobel Prize for Economics A comment from development studies

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Valedictory lecture Sandro Sideri

Des Gasper In 1998 Professor Amartya Sen, an Honorary Fellow of the ISS and a founder of the UNU World Institute for Development Economics Research, was awar-

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Global Traders and Local Producers

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Fellow of the Institute - after the late Jan Tinbergen - to be awarded the prize.

Farewell Address Sipko de Boer

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Africa Day Scholas

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ded the Nobel Prize for Economics. Professor Sen is the second Honorary

Francisco Uribe Echevarría

Like many of us I have been impres-

policy and at the same time less

The entitlements approach

major, related areas:

sed, intrigued and influenced by Sen’s

narrowly Euro-American in its

and the capabilities approach

• the analysis of famine, and more

work. The following observations,

assumptions and concerns, and -

Sen (b. 1933) was already an interna-

generally of hunger and poverty,

invited by the International Develop-

whether seen as a separate field for

tionally reputed economist twenty-five

including through his ‘entitlements

ment Ethics Association after Sen

discussion or not - a development

years ago, known for his work on, for

approach’; and the formulation and

was awarded the Nobel Prize for

ethics that can help guide develop-

example, the cost-benefit analysis of

application of a resulting framework

Economics, draw on a number of

ment policy and practice. I will try

public investments, growth theory,

papers in which I commented on the

here to outline those of his contribu-

and the mathematical investigation of

nature and role of some of his contri-

tions which are of special interest to

aggregate preference-fulfilment within

of welfare economics, i.e. the

butions. These include inputs towards

us in development studies, and then

a society. What makes him stand out

concepts and theories in econo-

an enriched and more ethically aware

to suggest what indeed are the

from the other economists of his

mics about when we can say that

economics, a moral philosophy that is

special features of Sen’s intellectual

generation is, however, his work over

people and societies are better off:

more rigorous and more relevant to

project.

the past quarter of a century in two

especially his ‘capability approach’

for policy responses; • the critique and then reconstruction

continued on page 8

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Interview Roodal Moonilal

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Transition to Underdevelopment? Max Spoor

Book review Shanti George

CONTENTS

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Inside this issue:

This was the challenging title of one of the papers presented to the international policy workshop ‘Beyond Transition: Ten Years after the Fall of the Berlin Wall’, hosted by the Institute of Social Studies between 11 and 15 October 1999. The Institute organized the workshop in close cooperation with

The Institute of Social Studies

the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in particular its Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth

(ISS) is an international centre

of Independent States (RBEC).

of social sciences education For a week long, a total of 22

that have taken place, and the poli-

ResReps themselves. This promoted

and Country Policies at the Dutch

Resident Representatives of the

cies that drove this process, while

a unique dialogue between UNDP

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anton

UNDP and Resident UN Coordinators

contributing to a new agenda for

delegates, with their ‘hands-on’

Kruiderink, Director of RBEC, and

from CEE and CIS countries (inclu-

‘transition and development’ in the

experience in the field, academic

Dr Max Spoor, the conference

ment studies to mid-career

ding Poland, Ukraine, Russia, the

second decade after the fall of the

experts and representatives of other

organizer for the ISS.

professionals at PhD, Master’s

Baltic States, the ‘Stan’ countries of

Berlin Wall in 1989.

national and international organiza-

and research. It provides top quality education in develop-

former Soviet Central Asia and the and Diploma levels. ISS degrees are recognized internationally.

tions (such as the Dutch Ministries of

The main focus of the conference

countries of the Caucasus) and from

At the UNDP/RBEC/ISS conference

Foreign Affairs and of the Environ-

was the human costs of the transition

the Balkan region gathered at the ISS.

the UNDP ResReps were the key par-

ment, the World Bank and the

in the past decade in Central and

The conference looked back on a

ticipants, with papers presented by

European Commission). ‘Beyond

Eastern Europe and the former

decade of transition in Central and

speakers from the ISS and from

Transition’ was opened by Prof. Hans

Soviet Union.

Eastern Europe and the former Soviet

elsewhere (the USA, Finland, UK,

Opschoor, Rector of the ISS, Hans

Union, analyzing the transformations

France and Russia), and by several

Sondaal, Director General of Regional

continued on page 9

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

A word of welcome from the Rector I would like to welcome you to the first issue of our new ISS newsletter, Development ISSues. You find yourself in the good company of a large number of readers from all over the world, in a wide range of academic and applied fields, and with a shared interest in processes of social change, development and transition. Development ISSues replaces our Alumni Magazine and the internally oriented ISS Bulletin, and extends the readership to include colleagues in other OECD countries, with interests similar to our own. Now that I have welcomed you, the first thing I

development studies. At the ISS we are trying

looking forward to the conference of the

demic world I think that greater coordination,

would like to do is to thank everyone at the ISS

to contribute to that process, as is witnessed

European Association of Development

cooperation and coherence in the fields of

involved in producing so many issues of the

by our efforts to develop a research agenda on

Institutes in Paris, at the end of September,

international studies and social change would

Alumni Magazine and the ISS Bulletin. More

globalization and its impacts. A further illustra-

where the future of development will be dis-

make our academic work more effective and

than its predecessors, Development ISSues

tion is the lecture series in honour of one of our

cussed. I hope that issues such as the sustai-

more efficient.

will focus on the substance of our work at the

former faculty members, the Kurt Martin

nability of patterns of globalization and deve-

ISS and the discussions surrounding that work.

Tribute, which brings together views from diffe-

lopment will be critically discussed, preferably

Since its 45th Anniversary in October 1997,

rent paradigms and perspectives in develop-

in an evolutionary and institutional perspective.

the ISS has also been reviewing its existing

I consciously used the concepts of social

ment economics. What all of this could mean

We are also looking forward to further discus-

network of academic links outside the OECD

change and transition in introducing this new

for development politics is something we pay

sions in Paris about collaboration at European

region. We believe that structured and structur-

publication. Those who know us well will

much attention to and help to explore through

level with partner institutes involved in post-

al contact with centres of expertise (if not

recognize these terms from our ISS Mission

our seminars and public debates. Recently,

graduate activities in the academic fields refer-

excellence) to develop joint research and post-

Statement. The ISS is in the business of gene-

Rubens Ricupero, the Secretary-General of

red to above. This collaboration should not be

graduate training programmes is a necessary

rating, accumulating and transferring know-

UNCTAD, gave an address at the Institute and,

restricted to activities with a European regional

step in our own evolution. We are currently

ledge and know-how on the human aspects

on another occasion, our Minister for Develop-

focus. Quite the contrary: research and training

setting up and trying out such contacts in

of economic and social change. We have

ment Cooperation, Eveline Herfkens, and Clare

conducted at these institutes should continue

Southern Africa and Central America. I hope to

somewhat broadened our traditional focus on

Short, the British Secretary of State for

to be of interest outside the Western part of the

be able to say more about - and eventually to

‘development’ to include transition processes,

International Development, were here to dis-

continent and beyond. In fact, a trip I recently

report on - these efforts. Perhaps this new

as well as the dynamics of global change and

cuss with a wide audience the emerging nature

undertook to Japan was aimed at strengthe-

publication will help in consolidating them.

its repercussions. This widening of horizons set

of ‘Third Way’ development politics in Europe.

ning and expanding our contacts there. In tan-

Professor Hans Opschoor

the scene for a rethinking of the orientation of

At the time of writing this introduction we are

dem with developments elsewhere in the aca-

Rector, ISS

Welcome note Editorial Board The Editorial Board of Development ISSues joins with the Rector

The EGAL Project

An innovative approach to international post-graduate education Guillermo Lathrop

of the ISS in welcoming you to our new publication. We hope that you enjoy reading it and will share it with your colleagues.

Early in the New Year a new type of international education project will start operating in Central

Development ISSues has a specific editorial character. Our main

America. This new project is innovative because – unlike ‘normal’ projects that usually export

concern is to provide readers with: • information about academic matters at the ISS in the areas of teaching, research, projects and advisory services; • a platform for the exchange of information and ideas between the ISS and the Institute’s international network, including alumni and current students. The platform can deal with the wider issue of how developments in the human aspects of economic and social change affect the work of the ISS and its

teaching experiences so that a sister institution abroad can set up and teach programmes similar to those being taught in The Hague – this project will introduce the project partners to the field of distance learning. Distance learning is normally defined as a system of education in which there is no face-to-face contact between lecturers and participants and which uses non-conventional means of education, such as audio-visual media, detailed training manuals, self-tests, remote tutoring and feedback, and a support system that depends on e-mail conferencing and on the Internet.

network. In each issue the Editorial Board will try to meet these goals. To succeed and make Development ISSues as good as it can be,

The project, prepared by the ISS and FLACSO-Costa Rica (the

transformation. Particular to the region is the fact that countries

we look to assistance from you, our readers. We are happy to

Latin American Faculty of Social Science) with the cooperation

are in the process of rebuilding or modernizing their institutional

receive contributions in the areas described above. If you have an

of the Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies

structures after almost two decades of civil war, economic

idea for an article, it is always best to contact one of the editors

(IHS) in Rotterdam, is known by its acronym EGAL, which

stagnation and rising poverty. Within this process, most coun-

before committing much time to it. Alternatively, if you would like

stands for Equity, Globalization, Adjustment and Local

tries in the region are implementing, designing or putting on

Development ISSues to address some topic that falls within our

Economic Development. The project will last for four years and

their political agendas decentralization policies which are

mandate, please let us know. If possible, we will try to accommo-

is being funded by SAIL (Stichting Samenwerkingsverband IO-

bound to change the role of the central state as the main actor

date your interests. News about a recent appointment, academic

instellingen & LUW).

in promoting economic development. The project has identified several problems affecting decentralization in these countries

publication or significant change in your life is also of interest, and we will try to report on those milestones as well. And, of course,

The geographical area covered by the project is the Central

that need to be addressed:

we would be very pleased to hear your responses on this first

American region, and the subject matter to be taught is local

• the weakness of local administrations in Central America,

number of Development ISSues. Details of how to contact the

economic development in the context of decentralization,

making them unprepared to take over the roles and functions

editors can be found on the back page.

adjustment and globalization. These developing economies,

that central governments are and will be transferring to them

Most of all, we hope that you find Development ISSues both a

like many others in Latin America and elsewhere, are going

through decentralization;

pleasure to read and a stimulus to your mind.

through a far-reaching process of social, political and economic The Editorial Board

continued on page 10

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Valedictory lecture - Sandro Sideri On 30 September, Sandro Sideri, Professor of International Economics at the ISS, delivered his valedictory lecture at the Institute. An abridged version of the lecture, entitled ‘Globalization, the Role of the State, and Human Rights, is reproduced below.

if not determine, its own economic future.

process of accumulation with cyclical occurren-

and financial spheres, well into the cultural one.

This does not mean that the national level has

ces, each with its own peculiar characteristics.

The rise in the last fifty years of universally en-

become irrelevant, but rather that it is no longer

Furthermore, globalization has never been a

dorsed principles of conduct and human rights

the main strategic level for the key actors in the

wholly spontaneous phenomenon, but has

represents an important factor in international

areas of scientific development, technological

been shaped and carried forward by the most

relations and a key tool for promoting collective

innovation and socioeconomic growth. The

powerful states for their own ends. Although the

security. As a consequence, sovereignty is no

strain between participation in the transnational

present occurrence is the most pervasively un-

longer absolute, but conditional, while demo-

processes and defence of national interests is

settling one, globalization and state remain

cracy within a state requires democracy within

undermining one of the fundamental pillars of

complementary elements in a complex interplay

a network of intersecting international forces

the democratic organization, namely popular

between domestic systems and the internatio-

and relations. This does not imply, however, that

consensus. Since unchecked capitalist market

nal order. The state causes globalization as well

the network must comprise the whole world.

processes are prone to generate injustice,

suffering its effects. Since there is a hierarchy to

Other principles may very well apply elsewhere.

insecurity, instability, and even inefficiency, the

the integration process, strong states are in the

global spread of free market policies is eroding

position to alter the rules of the game. This

As for the articulation between development

As states become part of a larger and more

countervailing institutions of social solidarity.

hierarchical aspect of integration reflects each

issues and human rights, the question has been

complex political structure that is the counter-

The bitter divisions caused by the hierarchy of

state’s capability to transform and adapt and is

raised in two contradictory ways. On the one

part of the production and financial order,

economic winners and losers, both domestical-

supported by robust domestic linkages

hand, development, or rather, lack of develop-

national political systems undergo a process of

ly and internationally, risk the creation of a sort

between government and industry.

ment, has been seen as an excuse for the viola-

transformation. The internationalization of pro-

of global economic apartheid.

What distinguishes the present phase of globa-

tion of human rights and, on the other hand,

duction, finance and other economic resources

The drive to globalization is not a completely

lization from the previous ones is the extent of

development has been conceived as a human

is undermining the state’s capacity to control,

new phenomenon, but a feature of the capitalist

the process, reaching beyond the economic

right in itself. continued on page 6

New research supported by the innovation fund

Global Traders and Local Producers Peter Knorringa The ISS Innovation Fund was set up to improve the quality of the research and teaching profile of the Institute. The first research project to receive support from the Fund was ‘Global Buyers and Local Producers’. The support was given to develop a fundable research proposal on the role of global buyers in shaping the opportunities and constraints for production and employment in exports from developing countries. The role of buyers - or traders - in local industrial development in

outputs. While the need for a more demand-oriented approach is

may contribute to upgrading in local industrial development. In

developing countries is controversial. Unfortunately, it has been

recognized, concrete ideas on what measures are most effective

turn, these hypotheses will serve as stepping stones for the more

more part of an ideological debate than the subject of thorough

remain scarce. This study will focus on buyers as a possible

comprehensive research programme, for which external funding

research. While some authors have emphasized the exploitative

point of intervention in policies to strengthen the relative compe-

will be sought.

role of traders, others have stressed their usefulness in providing

titiveness of export-oriented SMEs.

access to wider markets, and some even claim that buyers

Contours of the research programme

should be seen as catalysts in the industrialization process. It

While local producers clearly face a wide variety of challenges,

The more comprehensive research programme is intended to

seems to us that the relevant research question to be addressed

export-oriented SMEs seem to have in common that they opera-

deal with three levels of research. The first level focuses on how

is not whether buyers help producers to upgrade but in what cir-

te in sectors in which global buyers decide which producers will

global buyers in faraway offices take key decisions that shape

cumstances they are more or less likely to do so.

participate and on what terms and conditions. Buyers judge how

the boundary conditions for local producers in developing coun-

producers compare with each other, they decide with which pro-

tries. The second level focuses on how these conditions, set by

Before outlining the contours of the envisaged new research pro-

ducers to develop close relations, and may well play off produ-

global buyers, influence the strategies of local entrepreneurs and

gramme we will introduce the relevance of the theme.

cers in various countries against each other. However, until now

government institutions aimed at strengthening the performance

these international buyers have not been subjected to detailed

of local industry. The third level focuses on how the conditions

Policy relevance

research. We expect that exploring the practices of buyers will

are incorporated into the livelihood strategies of workers and

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become a

provide information not only on who is the cheapest or who pro-

their households.

central policy focus for both national governments and interna-

duces the best quality, but also on the critical factors that give

tional donors. While most programmes have been directed at the

some producers the edge or hold others back. This kind of infor-

The third level could, for example, investigate how different tra-

micro-enterprise and survival sector, often on grounds of equity,

mation is crucial for formulating policy to strengthen the relative

ding arrangements influence the incorporation of female and

there is increasing recognition of the potential competitiveness of

competitiveness of producers in specific countries.

child labour, and look at the (re)construction of gender identity at

SMEs. It is nowadays widely acknowledged that SME policy has

the workplace and in the community at large.

been overly supply-oriented, focusing on training, technology or

The project started recently with an initial literature review, which

credit, and ignoring the crucial question of who will buy the firms’

aims to develop a set of hypotheses on how and when traders

continued on page 11

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Farewell address - Sipko de Boer On 14 September, Sipko de Boer, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Administration, gave his farewell address at the ISS. Below is a summary of the address, which was entitled ‘International Education in the new millennium in the Netherlands’

Dear colleagues, participants,

or because they are generally consi-

excellence seems to remain the only

exists already in this country, be it not

for Dutch students. Foreign students

friends and family,

dered to deal with subject matters in

justification for the continued existen-

without some weaknesses. Can it

are welcome (if they can pay the fee),

an outstanding way. The ‘higher edu-

ce of IHE in the years to come.

improve and/or will it survive, as it

but as part of the crowd. And once

I. Introduction

cation’ aspect of these institutions

inevitably becomes more closely

they are here, they are expected to

In order to compensate for the rather

has to do with the most characteris-

And yet, IHE institutions have also

integrated with the Dutch university

meet the Netherlands, not neces-

boring title I have given to this

tic feature of academia, namely a

other potentialities worth considera-

system?

sarily each other.

address, let me start with an intri-

concern with the ways in which

tion. Given the composition of their

guing quote full of drama:

knowledge and insights are acquired.

clientele they can, better than any

A few comments on this last

Whether and how well IHE will sur-

In other words, an interest in metho-

other type of educational institution,

question. A positive aspect of IHE

vive within the Dutch university sys-

Life’s but a walking shadow

dology and methods, and in episte-

make a (modest) contribution to the

moving closer to the Dutch university

tem will largely depend on where and

That struts and frets upon the stage

mological questions. Finally, the

containment of global tensions and

system is that it will have access to

how it will be welded to the latter. It

And then is heard no more

‘educational’ aspect of IHE is related

meanwhile give a significant stimulus

many more resources. As part of a

will also depend on its own vitality

(W. Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act V, scene V)

to two functions:

to the enrichment of the social scien-

larger whole it will probably more

and creativity and its willingness to

• the provision of practical and

ces. However, that would require:

successful in offering the best. For

state its business clearly and convin-

• a focus on widespread and persis-

example, the field of teaching

cingly time and again.

My work at this institute may well be

analytical skills to facilitate the

summed up that way, but I am not

handling of and/or an understan-

tent societal problems - extreme

methods and methodologies could

intending to look back. I would just

ding of causal and other relations

poverty, oppression, insecurity,

be (further) enriched.

like to say, I enjoyed it. This speech

between phenomena, and which

depletion of natural resources, lack

may also be nothing more than some

are considered useful in efforts to

of influence on public decisions

Secondly, IHE in the Netherlands will

been done. The task remains to

strutting and fretting, but please

influence, if not control, these

affecting one’s life - and on (rela-

probably be forced to shed its ten-

thank the Institute, i.e. the academic,

indulge me and allow me the

relations; and

ted) global processes of invest-

dencies towards parochialism and to

technical and administrative staff,

ment, production and exchange

join forces with parts of the Dutch

for providing me with an extremely

which raise tensions and conflicts

university system which are genuine-

stimulating work environment to

at the international level;

ly trying to be internationally oriented.

which, of course, many generations

This may ultimately strengthen it.

of students have also contributed.

III Epilogue Some strutting and some fretting has

momentary pleasure of sharing with

• (a more controversial and funda-

you some thoughts about the work I

mental function) the provision of

was involved in and in which many of

knowledge and insights in a way

you will continue to be: International

that shapes people’s cognitive and

Higher Education (IHE).

evaluative capacities: education is

and processes characterized by a

But it cannot be denied that there are

I wish to thank the ‘old’ Executive

bound to influence what people

considerable sensitivity to the

dangers as well. Institutions largely

Board for the atmosphere of collegia-

I would like to briefly (and not

note and what they ignore, and to

(Western) cultural bias in social

financed by governments tend to

lity in which we have worked

exhaustively) address two closely

influence their preferences/priori-

sciences, an appreciation of the

suffer from political pressure to serve

together, and my colleagues in the

related issues, namely

ties. It thus contributes to people’s

scope for and limitations of metho-

national interests. Educational institu-

Public Policy and Administration MA

1. What functions should IHE fulfil in

capacity to make sense of their

dologies in these sciences, atten-

tions are no exception. That pressure

programme for the same and for the

environment and to position, orient

tion to methods which facilitate

may push for priority to be given to

many years of academic and social

and direct themselves within it.

both reflections on and actions in

certain faculties and topics, influence

life we have shared. I wish you all the

It also contributes to people’s con-

society, and an awareness of the

the adoption of certain analytical

best. In the future you will find me

struction (and reconstruction) of

growing instability of social rela-

frameworks and the recruitment of or

occasionally in the library, but in the

II. The functions of IHE

societies. As such it is cultural and

tions in the world.

preference for certain categories of

very near future I hope to see you all

It has been suggested that only that

politically a thoroughly important

students. This sort of pressure is

upstairs in a favourite spot: the bar.

which has no history can be definite-

enterprise. No wonder then that

While offering curricula along these

blatantly manifest in quite a number

ly defined. IHE is very much part of

governments tend to control it.

lines IHE should try to attract people

of countries, but exists in the

the years to come; and 2. Can these functions be realized in the Netherlands?

history and will, therefore, probably

• an approach to these problems

from every part of the globe; people

Netherlands, too, although - in

never be defined once and for all. Its

These general characteristics seem

who have been exposed to both

accordance with good Dutch tradi-

dynamic context will constantly

to suggest that in the foreseeable

cosmopolitan cultures and other cul-

tion - it is often indirect and subtly

affect its relevance and gradually

future the only raison d’être for IHE

tures in their own countries and are

masked. There is also a tendency for

change its meaning time and again.

will be the excellence of the subject

aware of the tensions between

Dutch universities to cater to certain

matter it provides. Its complementary

them, who are motivated to learn

interests favoured by the Dutch

So what is the meaning of ‘IHE’

functions will gradually disappear.

skills, and to reflect on and exchange

government. The Humanities are

today? The word refers to indepen-

The global expansion of National

ideas about the more basic (and pre-

usually considered an embaras-

dent or more or less autonomous

Higher Education (NHE), particularly

scientific) choices that have to be

sment, the Social Sciences are tole-

institutions, which have certain

in Asia and Africa, is already signifi-

made in order to make societies and

rated if performing well in certain

characteristics in common. Their

cantly reducing the need for students

the situations of individuals more

respects, but only the Sciences are

‘international’ aspect relates to the

to look elsewhere for what they can-

liveable. These people are found in

really promoted. There is a strong

fact that they cater for students from

not find at home. The multidisciplina-

universities, but also in strategic

inclination to train professionals and

different parts of the world. They

ry and policy-oriented approach of

positions elsewhere.

equip students with skills immedia-

attract these students because they

many IHE institutes will soon also

What are the prospects for the esta-

tely applicable in production proces-

offer something the students cannot

become normal practice at most

blishment/maintenance of that sort of

ses. And there is, not surprisingly, a

get in their immediate surroundings

NHE institutions in the world. Ergo:

IHE in the Netherlands? It partly

tendency to cater first and foremost

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

From SCHOLAS The ISS Student Association

Africa Day

Africa Day, 26 May 1999 Venue: Institute of Social Studies

The last celebration of the century commemorating the birth of the Organization of Africa Unity was held on 26 May 1999 at the Institute of Social Studies. The fete was attended by the entire African diplomatic community in the Netherlands, the staff and participants of the ISS, officials from the Dutch government and other invited guests and well-wishers.

The meeting was well attended and was co-

won independence and to prioritize economic

a popular envoy whose loyalty to former South

the Netherlands, as part of the Hague Appeal

chaired by ISS Rector Hans Opschoor and the

security and political democratization in Africa.

African President Nelson Mandela and to Africa

for Peace celebrations.

Dean of the African Ambassadors, the

The highlight of the day was the Keynote

as a whole is impressive. Mr Niehaus is not a

Ambassador from Cape Verde.

Address given by HE Ambassador Carl

stranger to the ISS, having supported African

In his address, which fittingly blended econo-

Niehaus. The address was fittingly entitled ‘The

(Student) Committee activities organized by par-

mics and political reformation in Africa (an area

The Ambassador read out a message from the

Economic Challenges for Africa in the New

ticipants from Africa in the recent past. He was

in which Africa desperately lags behind),

OAU Secretary General, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim.

Century’. Mr Niehaus, a former political prisoner

also very involved in the Global Coalition for

Niehaus called upon Africans to ‘be bold

The Secretary General observed the challenges

during the apartheid regime in South Africa, is a

Africa Conference in May 1999, where he was

enough to confront the problems’ choking the

that the OAU had faced and the gains it had

man of vision and impeccable achievements as

the chief guest of honour. The conference was

continent.

achieved since its birth in 1963. He challenged

a political, pro-democracy, anti-apartheid acti-

co-hosted by the ISS African Committee

African leaders and people to protect their hard

vist and as an intellectual in his own right. He is

together with other African students based in

continued on page 11

Events at the ISS The ISS regularly hosts seminars, lectures, panel discussions and other public events, in which prominent figures from academia and politics often take part. Future numbers of Development ISSues will keep you up to date with past and forthcoming events at the Institute. In this issue, we take a brief look at some of the recent highlights in the ISS’ public events calendar. 15 July 1999 - The Challenge of Development

8 June 1999 - From Development

In 1999 and 2000 the Institute of Social Studies

representing different perspectives to explore

in the Knowledge Era: public address by

Cooperation to International Cooperation:

is organizing a lecture series with the overall

perceived trends in the study of institutions and

Rubens Ricupero, Secretary General of

public debate with Clare Short, UK Secretary

theme of ‘Institutions and Economic

economic development. The series of lectures

UNCTAD

for International Development, and Eveline

Develop-ment’ in honour of the late Professor

covers the perspectives of political economy,

Herfkens, Netherlands Minister for

Kurt Martin, Honorary Fellow and former staff

neo-institutional economics as well as evolutio-

Development Cooperation

member of the ISS.

nary economics and from the specific contexts

in Bangkok. The conference, the Secretary

The two ministers presented what many of

Kurt Martin was one of the most distinguished

General said, provided an opportunity to take

those present felt to be an overly-optimistic

development economists of his generation and

stock of half a century of development. On the

view on the future of development cooperation.

is recognized worldwide as one of the pioneers

The first public lectures in the series were given

threshold of the new millennium, one of the

They spoke of the new international consensus

of development theory. He joined the ISS in

in March 1999 by Prof. Frances Stewart of

greatest problems facing the world is insecurity.

on how to tackle poverty and the need to har-

1969 as Professor in Development Economics

Oxford University and Prof. Valpi Fitzgerald of

In a globalizing world, he said, people feel that

ness the forces of globalization for the common

and stayed until 1986. Kurt Martin died in

the ISS. On 16 December, the series will

‘impersonal forces beyond their control and

good. In the debate that followed, several parti-

September 1995, a few weeks before his 91st

continue with lectures by Prof. Richard Nielsen

accountable to no one are taking over their

cipants wondered how this visionary strategy

birthday. His last reader, ‘Strategies of

of Columbia University, New York, on ‘The

lives’. On the basis of Francis Bacon’s famous

was to be applied to such concrete problems as

Economic Development: Readings in the

Co-evolution of Technology and Institutions as

premise that ‘knowledge is power’, Ricupero

debt, corruption, wealth inequality and mass

Political Economy of Industrialization’ on the

the Driver of Economic Development’, and

argued that the key to security is a better and

migration.

evolution of development economics theory,

Prof. Hans Opschoor of the ISS on ‘Towards an

In this address, Ricupero looked forward to the tenth UNCTAD conference, to be held next year

of the economies in transition, traditional deve-

fairer global distribution of knowledge.

loping countries and the global economy.

was published in 1991.

Evolutionary Approach to Sustainable

The full text of Ricupero’s address is available

Institutions and Economic Development:

The ISS Kurt Martin Tribute is organized around

Development’.

from the ISS.

special ISS lecture series in honour of Kurt

a number of renowned scholars in development

Martin 1904 - 1995

studies, in particular development economics,

Development News in Brief Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Vice-Chancellor of the

Development, Dr Ramphele will oversee the

International Technical Assistance. 50 years

a host of national and international dignitaries.

University of Cape Town, South Africa, has

Bank’s activities in health, education and social

later, it is one of the world’s leading donor coun-

A book has also been published in Dutch and

been appointed as a Managing Director of the

protection.

tries. To mark this milestone, a conference was

English tracing the evolution of Dutch develop-

World Bank. Dr Ramphele is an honorary fellow

held on 2 October at the Royal Tropical Institute

ment policy from aid to cooperation (‘Fifty years

of the ISS and visited the Institute last year to

(KIT) in Amsterdam. The conference, entitled

of Dutch development cooperation’, edited by

give a public address on ‘The Politics of

In October 1949, the Netherlands took its first

‘From charity to necessity’, was attended by

J.A. Nekkers and P.A.M. Malcontent,

Institutional Diversity in South African Higher

steps in the field of development aid, providing

Dutch prime minister Wim Kok, Minister for

SDU Uitgevers, The Hague).

Education’. As Managing Director for Human

1.5 million dollars to the new UN programme of

Development Cooperation Eveline Herfkens and

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Francisco Uribe Echevarría Región: punta de fuga. Encuentros y desencuentros This book, the title of which in English means ‘Region: focal point. Encounters and non-encounters’, was published in 1998 in Colombia. It contains a collection of writings by Francisco Uribe Echevarría, a former ISS colleague and friend who died in 1996. A review by Bert Helmsing. Examining Latin American realities from both

veness of Latin American regional planning was

of papers on four themes on which Francisco

American ideas and practices and was influen-

the inside and the outside for more than 35

due to poor and/or inapplicable theory or to

Uribe worked in various stages of his career.

tial in changing these.

years enabled Francisco Uribe to compare

poor adoption and implementation of regional

The themes are theories of urbanization, the

The book also contains his last published arti-

Latin American developments with those in the

policy prescriptions. He concluded was that

structure and dynamics of urban labour mar-

cle, a study of social and economic indicators

rest of the world. His close ties with various

both were wrong, at least partially. He set out

kets (and poverty), decentralization and small

of regional inequality in Chile from the early 80s

Latin American academic institutions made it

to reformulate regional development theory,

enterprise development. Given the limited

to the early 90s. The data showed that the eco-

possible for him to understand the diversity and

drawing on Latin American structuralist

space, I will focus here on the fourth theme.

nomic restructuring of Chile had led to a sub-

detail of the many concrete realities of specific

perspectives, and redefined the role of Latin

Franscisco’s research into urban labour mar-

stantial reduction of regional inequalities. This

countries and regions. This gave him a sound

American regional planning.

kets had a strong empirical orientation and

finding had, in his view, major theoretical impli-

basis on which to reflect on current theoretical

brought him into contact with the debate on the

cations in that it contradicted established wis-

debates in Latin America and in international

Two papers, written in the 1980s and published

Latin American informal sector. On the basis of

dom. After all, 30 years of Latin American

development circles.

in this book, are products of these efforts. At

data on labour markets in Colombian interme-

regional development theory had argued that

the end of the 1980s, which are generally consi-

diate cities he qualified the ‘structural heteroge-

polarization and the associated deterioration of

One of his main preoccupations concerned the

dered a ‘lost decade’ in Latin America, Francisco

neity’ thesis of CEPAL/PREALC and went

regional inequalities were an inevitable product

objectives and roles of regional planning. As an

Uribe radically broke with this analytical

looking for other explanations for the composi-

of Latin American underdevelopment.

academic teacher this preoccupation came

scheme. He posited that regional policy and

tion and growth of the urban informal sector. In

In conclusion, the book offers a cross-section

natural to him. Nowadays, many more people

planning should cease to be concerned with

his contributions he analyzed the pro- and anti-

of the academic contributions of one of the

are active in teaching local and regional deve-

mitigating the spatially uneven effects of econo-

cyclical behaviour of components of the infor-

ISS’s most outstanding Latin Americanists. It is

lopment management and planning. Few,

mic growth, just as national policies should

mal sector in Colombian cities. He criticized

a tribute by friends, colleagues and former stu-

however, have published regularly on this

cease to attempt to insulate Latin American

Latin American informal sector policies, espe-

dents, many of whom are from Latin America

theme, combining self-criticism with innovative

economies from international economic changes.

cially the alleged ‘virtues’ of the informal sector.

and especially from Colombia, who made the

Later he researched the role of small-scale

publication possible.

ideas and new research agendas, planning practice with teaching, as Francisco Uribe did.

In the early 90s he argued in favour of a

enterprises in processes of regional industriali-

progressive integration of Latin American coun-

zation. He argued that small enterprise policies

Región: punta de fuga. Encuentros y desen-

The first part of this book puts together four of

tries in the world economy and that regional

were too much oriented towards the supply

cuentros.

his contributions, written over the 1979-1992

policies should support this. Regional policy

side and too little concerned with problems of

Francisco Uribe Echevarría

period and representing an evolution in his thin-

should no longer be oriented towards regional

demand for small enterprise products.

Santa Fe de Bogota: Universidad de los Andes

king. In the 1970s Francisco Uribe subscribed

equality in absolute terms but should be redefi-

to the then prevailing regional planning para-

ned in terms of access to opportunity in the

In the early 90s, Francisco established the

digm, which departed from the notion that eco-

interests of the economic potential of particular

AndiNet, a ‘pre-internet’ network of resear-

The book can be ordered at the ISS Bookshop

nomic growth is spatially a highly uneven pro-

regions. Regional planning would have to con-

chers, policy makers and NGO activists in

or directly from CIDER, Universidad de los

cess and that it is the responsibility of the state

vert itself into local regional development

Andean countries, concerned with small

Andes, P.O. Box 4976, Santa Fe de Bogota,

to reduce regional inequalities. He addressed

management.

enterprise development. Through the AndiNet

Colombia (fax: +57 1 281 4986,

the question of whether the apparent ineffecti-

The second part of the book offers a selection

he maintained close contact with Latin

e-mail: cuervo@uniandes.edu.co).

Due to the latter, a compromise has been built

A pro-democracy policy presents a number of

reflects a common agreement on rights issues.

possibility of economic governance and the

into the neo-liberal creed: the ‘growth first’ stra-

problems. First of all, it will invoke the hostility

Fifthly, compliance of all these human rights lar-

role of the modern state within it. If the state

tegy must be made compatible with democra-

of big powers with bad democratic conscien-

gely depends on national state action. Finally,

partakes of both internal and external dimen-

tic rule. Thus the ‘political conditionality’- the

ces and bring to an earlier end the existing con-

there remains the fundamental contradiction

sions, its behaviour is not wholly constrained

imposition of political tests of multi-party demo-

sensus on limiting national sovereignty.

between the universalistic aspiration of human

by them. This gives it some scope for action,

cracy and human rights performance attached

Secondly, since it cannot be denied that the

rights and the right to protect diversity, i.e. mul-

the extent of which will depend largely on the

to financial aid programmes - that generalizes

International Bill of Rights looks more like a

ticulturalism. The difficulty of resolving this con-

hierarchical position of the state concerned in

the sequence followed by the industrial coun-

charter for one particular type of government,

tradiction makes the future of human rights

the international order. Therefore, the main

tries: first civil and political rights and then eco-

i.e. the liberal democratic welfare state, the

quite bleak within the legal discourse. Their

question for the next century is not so much

nomic and social rights. It is tempting to view

accusation of cultural or human-rights imperia-

future may be less so if it is considered within

whether to regulate the markets, but how to do

this new version of the ‘growth first’ strategy as

lism hurled at the West is not utterly unjustified.

the political context and in the medium and

it and to whose advantage. The theory of

an attempt to justify the modest economic

Thirdly, the greater asymmetries in national

long-term.

human rights and respect for nature may

growth achieved and the reduced aid available

power and wealth generated by the same pro-

Hence, the challenge is to obtain a new balan-

represent the best chance to reintroduce in this

by blaming the lack of good policies and of

cess of globalization cast doubts upon how far

ce between market and society, one that will

discourse the concept of justice, including

good institutions. Moreover, there is a real risk

human rights can be extended and how much

continue to allow the expansion of the private

intergenerational justice or sustainability - an

that, given the considerable length of time

emphasis can be placed on human rights issu-

initiative without weakening the social tissue

attempt that is more likely to succeed within

required for the achievement of these objecti-

es in the North-South relations. Fourthly, alt-

and the basis of cooperation and solidarity

regional structures than at global level.

ves, economic and social rights will be postpo-

hough the human rights discourse is gaining

within and between countries. This implies

ned to a too distant future.

attention and expanding, this by no means

exploring ways and means to strengthen the

(ISBN 958 9057 91 8)

continued from page 3

Sandro Sideri

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Rudi-mentary: An interview with Roodal Moonilal

Rudi-mentary In November 1998 Roodal Moonilal was awarded a PhD for his thesis ‘Changing Labour Relations and the Future of Trade Unions’. Erhard Berner spoke to ‘Rudi’ about his work, his time at the ISS and the future.

Q: Rudi, yours is a unique achievement: You are the first ISS PhD

my participant-supervisor relationships. My most memorable

with it social and employment implications. Today we are in a

candidate to earn a distinction. What do you think is the original

experience was the PhD defence, since I never expected to

sort of poverty trap, decent growth but indecent work, more

contribution of your thesis? What were the main questions, and

achieve the cum laude. That was possibly the best kept secret

double standards than minimum standards. Secondly, the chal-

what answers did you find?

of my supervisory team. Oh.. and we had a great post-defence

lenge for the unions is to organize and mobilize in advancement

party in the attic as well. I think you recall that.

of a clearly articulated policy framework that addresses issues of

A: I think that my thesis made an original contribution to the

Of course, I miss the ISS parties and the Butterfly, where I spent

poverty, employment and social and economic security. Training

study of labour in the Caribbean. I am still basking in the glow of

a lot of my time crystallizing and fertilizing all the innovative

and human resource development presents a crucial pillar upon

having obtained the first cum laude distinction for a PhD at the

thinking.

which an appropriately flexible, high skilled and well-rewarded

ISS. I am extremely grateful for and proud of this achievement.

labour market must be built. This is the challenge that lies ahead

Incidentally, the thesis was extremely well received in the

Q: A few words about your background. You were involved in the

for the trade unions. I think that, by and large, the Caribbean

Caribbean by the academic community, the labour movement,

Education Section of a major trade union in Trinidad. Could you

trade unions are up to the task. With the support of professional

industrial relations practitioners and the business press. It is now

tell our readers about your role in their activities?

regional labour agencies and forward looking actors in the

before the reviewing committee of two prominent publishers in

leadership of the union, I think that the unions will provide a path

the Caribbean and one in Amsterdam, and hopefully it will find its

A: I have served as Education and Research Officer of the All

way onto the shelves in a few months. Initial responses have

Trinidad Sugar and General Workers Trade Union (ATS/GWTU),

been positive.

the major agricultural trade union in Trinidad. My responsibilities

Q: And what about your own future? Are you staying with the

I began by asking three fundamental questions, namely: (i) What

included formulating and implementing the training and educa-

unions, planning to do more research, teach, publish, or even

are the characteristics of current and/or new labour relations

tion policies of the union, publications, management of our

enter politics?

practices inherent in the process of industrial restructuring? (ii) To

development programs and international relations.

what extent do these characteristics pose a threat or challenge

On my return to Trinidad, I was appointed as Advisor to the

A: My own future?? Are you offering me a job at the ISS???

to traditional trade union policy and approaches? And (iii), in the

union, and I had the opportunity to deliver several presentations

(Laughs) Well I started a most challenging assignment in June

light of (i) and (ii) what sustainable strategies can be used by trade

based on my thesis to trade unions and business groups. In the

1999 here in Trinidad. I am now Director of the Policy Monitoring

unions in the future? The conclusions were quite fascinating in

summer, I also taught at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in

Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister. This involves several core

that we found the union movement in dire straits, in a quandary

the areas of human resource management and compensation

responsibilities. I advise the Prime Minister on the effectiveness

as regards policy and practice. Unions were and still are caught

management. I also dabble in the consultancy field and recently

of government social and labour policies and review policy mat-

up in outdated premises and strategies which hinder their opera-

concluded a paper on ‘Worker Protection’ for the International

ters within government. However, the more pressing assignment

tions. Furthermore, the unions had failed to come to terms with

Labour Organization Caribbean Office. The ILO paper was the

is to monitor the implementation of the government’s strategic/

more dynamic changes in employment policy and labour market

third to draw on the thesis. In January 1998 I had submitted a

prioritized decisions. As you can imagine this is quite an awe-

conditions inherent in globalization.

Working Paper for the UWI based on chapter 2 of my thesis

some challenge. But it comes at a time when I have spent over

I also think that my thesis made a substantial contribution to

(trade unionism in Trinidad and Tobago), and I submitted an arti-

4 years in a strong academic institution, so now the exposure to

policy making in that I placed more than adequate emphasis on

cle for publication in a special volume of the Caribbean Quarterly

public policy making across a wide sectoral spectrum can com-

policy responses to be considered by the union movement.

based on chapter 6 (Private Security in Trinidad). So all in all it

plement my previous experiences. But I must say that the disci-

But more than anything else, the novel methodology I used was

was great to get three significant papers from the book while still

pline and intellectual capacity nurtured at the ISS serves me well

responsible for the quality of the work. I looked at the changes in

pushing to publish the thesis. In addition, I was a Senator in

in this function.

labour relations across the whole scale of enterprises and within

Parliament for several months. This was a great experience, and

As to the future: I want to get married!!! (Laughs) No, I am kid-

distinct industrial settings stratified by varying organizational

I learned a great deal about the machinery and politics of law

ding. I intend to teach some more and do more consultancy

forms, labour intensity, levels of regulation and work organization.

making. So I have kept busy. As anyone who knows me will tell

work with the ILO, and hopefully I can publish more to help stu-

Now I am talking too much about my thesis, of course, since

you, I must have 2 or 3 jobs at the same time to feel active and

dents here and abroad. As for politics, I prefer to wait a few more

I am still excited by the work. So I will leave the rest for your

alive.

years. In any event there are no vacancies here. I want try to

readers to find out for themselves in the ISS library.

towards prosperity in the region.

enjoy life a bit more first before making that type of personal sacQ: In this age of structural adjustment, many people have a

rifice. I bought a new car recently, so I have moved up from a

Q: Nearly a year has passed since your defence. How do you

gloomy perception of trade unions’ role in society. What is your

mountain bike at the ISS to a Rover 400 sedan in Trinidad. My

look back at the ISS experience today? What are the most

own vision when looking at the English-speaking Caribbean?

personal philosophy is to enjoy life - that I think is rudimentary.

memorable events? A: The structural adjustment policies and process wreaked A: The ISS provided me with my most daunting and challenging

havoc with the local labour market, which has not sufficiently

Dr. Roodal Moonilal, Director, Policy Monitoring Unit,

intellectual environment and experience to date. Now that I am

restructured in the wake of the convulsions. It is still out of

Office of the Prime Minister, Whitehall, Port of Spain,

heavily involved in public policy and in the more practical hands-

alignment with the product and financial markets. The enormous

Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

on world, I sometimes miss the ISS’s intensive intellectual climate,

challenge is twofold. First the country has emerged out of the

Tel.:

the almost daily dose of seminars and discussions. It’s difficult

SAP paradigm (first generation policies) with minimal damage

Fax. (868) 622 0055 (office)

to imagine now that I got fed up of seminars when I was there;

vis-à-vis other developing countries. We have enjoyed six

Efax.: 1-847 589 1511 (private)

I miss them now that I am here. I would say that the supervisory

continuous years of economic growth, low inflation and the

Address: 54 St. Clements Village, Ste. Madeleine,

element in the PhD process was very satisfactory for me. I really

unemployment rate has been decreasing significantly over the

San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago,

developed mentally and analytically through the debates and

past decade. The challenge is now for national policy initiatives

West Indies

arguments about concepts and approaches that characterized

to move in the direction of distribution and equity. This brings

(868) 653 4316 (home); (868) 628 5768 (office);

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues continued from page 1

Amartya Sen and the associated reconceptualizations

directly discussed and used in development

Sen has maintained an unusually effective

Sen often finds or already has empirical coun-

of well-being, poverty, equity and

ethics. Entitlements analysis may, however,

balance between what I have elsewhere called

terparts for his notional cases: he moves to

development.

have its turn, as attention moves on - in the

three stages in development ethics work.

‘thin’ theorizing after thinking on real cases, or

In both areas Sen presented the main features

words of my colleague Bas de Gaay Fortman -

(The following remarks are taken from a paper

begins thin with a hypothetical case but then

of his new thinking in the mid and late 1970s

from needs to rights. Sen has clarified the typi-

on Culture and Development Ethics, in

seeks to confirm its relevance through exami-

and early 80s. He could well have received the

cal ethical assumptions made in economics,

Development and Change, 1996, and an ISS

ning real counterparts and checking that he has

Nobel Prize a dozen years ago, if the econo-

and promoted richer thinking about ethical

Working Paper called ‘Anecdotes, Situations

not left out key features. The approach remains

mics prize panel of the Royal Swedish

choices, by presenting many other relevant

and Histories’.) The first stage is openness,

a components/ factors analysis, rather than

Academy of Sciences had not been dominated

types of information than those considered in

observation and ethical reactions to experien-

holistic. That seems acceptable because his

by conservative market economists. In the inte-

welfare economics. In particular:

ces, the horrors and joys, dilemmas and ambi-

style of theorizing generally leads to procedural

rim, Sen has added a great deal and, probably

- he has extensively drawn on ideas from

guities of development and non-development.

advice, not to policy edicts: ‘pay attention also

even more important, has effectively inspired

philosophy, and re-established the necessarily

The second stage attempts to sift and

to factors A and B’, not ‘conclude and do as

and often even directly fostered a considerable

close links between `Ethics and Economics’

strengthen first-stage reactions by building

follows’. His third-stage, policy analysis and

body of work by others. His ideas on poverty,

(the title of one of his books); at the same time,

ethical concepts and ethical theory (both

policy advice work - such as in ‘Hunger and

opportunity, equity and quality of life have

he has notably strengthened philosophers’

methodolo-gical and substantive). During the

Public Action’ - is thus conducted without for-

become increasingly influential in development

analyses of welfare and equity; thus, most un-

third stage these deepened concepts and

getting the corrigibility and incompleteness of

economics and in development studies in the

usually in modern times, he was Professor both

theory are confronted with the demands of

his theorization. And his ability to link cases,

wider sense (with ‘development’ as a concept

of Philosophy and of Economics at Harvard;

practice: with real situations more complex than

concepts, explanatory and normative theory,

applied globally, not only to the poorest coun-

- he has reconceptualized equity and equality,

their categories and with the need for finding

and policy proposals is what gives his work the

tries). His deep, structured thinking about

making us always ask ‘equality of what?’ and

alliances and common ground between

character of a research programme which has

questions of major theoretical and policy rele-

understand each version of equity as involving

different perspectives and worldviews.

mobilized the attention and cooperation of a

vance, plus an exemplary style of communica-

equality of something;

tion, in writing and in person (clear, courteous,

- his ‘capability approach’ leads us to look at

Sen is primarily a second stager, a theorist.

deeper and real alternative to the dominant

assiduous, persistent, dialogical), have gradual-

the range of life-options that people have (their

But his theorizing has maintained a respectable

liberal-utilitarian welfare economics.

ly mobilized a substantial network of research-

‘capabilities set’), and the actual things they do

and fruitful balance in relation to experiential

ers, and even practitioners, who now partly

and achieve (their ‘functionings’), rather than

basis and practical role. Unlike many econo-

Finally, Sen is an economist, an exceptional

work and think along lines formed by Sen.

just looking at their incomes or their declared

mists and philosophers, his choice of examples

trans-disciplinary one, but one who has not

Of the two major areas mentioned above,

state of satisfaction, which can by themselves

reflects neither a narrow life nor a priority to

turned his back on his discipline for its failings.

Sen’s ‘entitlements approach’ to the analysis of

be misleading;

convenience within a preset style of theorizing.

Instead he seeks to reform it. This continuing

famine, hunger and poverty is now relatively

- he has reconceptualized poverty and deve-

His first-stage motivating cases are wide-

orientation to disciplinary economics audiences

widely known. His famous book on ‘Poverty

lopment in these terms, to make us see the

ranging, sometimes intense, and not con-

in the core of his work carries a price in the type

and Famines’ (1981) was followed by a three-

wide range of relevant dimensions, to see

cealed. They include the Great Bengal famine

of ethical questions and methods he engages

volume edited study on famine and hunger for

poverty as thus in some respects relative and in

of 1943-45, in which millions died while food

with. In a 1997 paper in the Journal of

the UN University. Just as the poverty of some

other respects absolute, and in particular to

was available, and through which he lived as a

International Development I argued that it res-

does not imply an overall shortage of satisfiers,

consider development as an extension of the

child; and his own mouth cancer as a student,

tricts Sen’s version of capabilities analysis, and

so in the extreme case the starvation of some

range of attainable and worthwhile life-options

which dramatically illustrated the value of

limits its appeal amongst many non-econo-

does not imply an overall shortage of food, but

that people have - which is the notion adopted

access to information and facilities. His second-

mists. Yet the potential prize is great, that of

rather a lack of convertible claims, entitlements,

in the 1990s by UNDP and its annual Human

stage theorizing has then analyzed, for greater

influence upon such a powerful target group,

acquisition power. Sen has used the entitle-

Development Reports, thanks to the late

clarity and tractability, abstracted formulations

economists and those who subscribe to that

ments approach as a framework for thinking

Mahbub Ul-Haq.

and hypothetical cases, including:

world view. By retaining in substantial part the

broadly about policy alternatives to prevent and

variety of others, to try to build a more humane,

(1) the displaced wage-labourer or artisan who

language and assumptions of orthodox

reduce deprivation. This framework, including a

On linking disciplines, and balancing life,

can lack effective entitlement and starve in the

economics, such as its picture of calculating

strong emphasis on various forms of ‘public

theorization, and policy analysis

face of food (so that aggregate measures of

individuals, Sen has been able to influence it in

action’ in addition to direct state action, is seen

Why have Sen’s ideas attracted such sustained

availability are insufficient - though important);

particular areas, specifically in the discourse of

in his books with Jean Dreze on ‘Hunger and

attention and inspired significant work by others

(2) the person who has greater needs, for

welfare and policy economics. If he had adop-

Public Action’ (1989) and on the backwardness

along similar lines? I have indicated his rigour

example because of disability (hence measures

ted a quite different picture of persons and

of social development in India (1995, 1996). The

and technical mastery, combined with fine

of personal income are insufficient);

agency, he might have acquired (even) more

public action perspective has become widely

communication skills (which he applies also in

(3) the person with high or low expectations,

non-economist admirers, but he would have

influential, both inside and well beyond acade-

many journals and lectures for non-academic

e.g. widows in South Asia with expectations

lost most of his audience within economics,

mia. This is notwithstanding, and indeed even

audiences), including a flair for employing evo-

that have been kept low to match their restric-

and thus his most important channel of influen-

in part because of, the ambiguity of Sen’s use

cative terms like ‘entitlements’ and ‘capability’

ted opportunities (so that feelings of personal

ce. The conversation between economists and

of the term ‘entitlement’, which has led others

which can appeal to a range of audiences.

satisfaction are an insufficient measure of

philosophers, to which he has greatly contribu-

to diverge from his usage even when they be-

I would like to suggest further that Sen has

well-being);

ted, is inevitably different from the conversation

lieve they are following him. (In a 1993 paper in

shown an exceptional sense of judgement

(4) the person who goes without food volun-

between, say, cultural anthropologists and

Development and Change I analyze both the

concerning his intellectual location and hence

tarily (showing that crude functionings alone are

philosophers. Development ethics needs many

enticing but ambiguous terms and Sen’s achie-

possible influence. His work is located across

an insufficient measure). In the same vein,

lines of conversation, and it needs the one

vement in providing a useful framework for

disciplines, reaching out from economics, nota-

Mozaffar Qizilbash (e.g. in Journal of Interna-

pursued so well by Amartya Sen.

problem analysis and policy analysis of famine

bly to compatible streams in philosophy; and it

tional Development, 1997) has examined the

and poverty.)

fruitfully links formal theorization to experience

person with capabilities that have adapted

Des Gasper is Associate Professor of Public

and policy analysis. While this type of location

upwards under the pressure of disadvantage or

Policy Management at the ISS.

The second major area of Sen’s work for our

is not itself so exceptional, Sen’s lively aware-

downwards in the cushion of privilege, to show

purposes, his critique and reconstruction of

ness and skill in employing it certainly are.

that capabilities too are an insufficient measure.

welfare economics, has so far been more

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Book review

Third World Professionals and Development Education in Europe: Personal Narrative, Global Conversations A hundred and twelve former students of the Institute of Social Studies contributed their life experiences to ‘Third World Professionals and Development Education in Europe: Personal Narrative, Global Conversations’. The book, commissioned by the Institute to commemorate its fortieth anniversary, was written by Shanti George, former Lecturer in the ISS Politics of Alternative Development Strategies Programme.

newer vistas for using micro analytical metho-

different cultural and political identities on a

discourses into the language of familiar reality”.

dology to understand macro level development

level playing field. What is the potential of this

I think it is enough if one learnt from the present

problems’ - Journal of Social and Economic

for the deepening and extending of partici-

book even two things: the style of presentation

Development

pants’ identities and their understanding of

of personal narratives and the ”polylogue”.

others? Moreover, George implies that this

Recommended reading for administrators’ -

’The significance of George’s study lies... in its

question has implications for the development

Journal of Educational Planning and

methodology, i.e., how she has gone about

”project” itself. Having (re)confirmed the redun-

Administration

researching for what she is saying. Her review

dancy both of viewing development studies in

of the methodological and theoretical issues

Europe for Third World students as a means of

’... this book is not only of use to the ISS and its

involved in ”life stories” as a research technique

’knowledge transfer’ from the developed to the

alumni, but it is also helpful for many people in

is noteworthy’ - Sociological Bulletin

developing world (the fallacy of modernization

the ”developed” First World and the ”develo-

theory), or as an interaction of ”core” and

ping” Third World. In particular, I strongly

`Assesses the impact that development educa-

”periphery” (the negative deter-minism of

recommend this book as a vital manual for

tion in the ”First World” has on the experience

dependency theory), George seems to settle for

Third World intellectuals who are contemplating

’The present study... presents a detailed

and professional life of students coming from

the ”think globally, act locally” approach. The

graduate studies in Europe and at the Institute

account of the relationship between a formal

the ”Third World”, taking a very interesting and

conclusion is that the Institute can, indeed,

in particular, and also in the First World in gene-

study of development and the real life school of

stimulating approach in the analysis of place-

provide a significant arena for ”exposure to and

ral. It would also be very useful for First World

development, viz. the development process.

related identity. Also greatly enriches cross-cul-

internalization of the other” (p. 318), whilst

intellectuals who are undertaking consultancies

The study, thus, is an attempt to assess

tural studies by providing a ”global conversa-

merely speculating as to the possibility of

and other types of involvement in the develo-

whether and to what extent the development

tion” which compares the reflections of class-

this ”polylogue” being continued beyond

ping world’ - Development Southern Africa

education received by professionals of develo-

mates from around the world’ - Development

graduation’ - Contemporary South Asia

What reviewers said about the book:

‘Third World Professionals and Development

ping countries is fine tuned to the real life needs of the professionals and also of the needs of

’The most distinctive theme of the study is rais-

’I particularly liked the use of the word ”polylo-

Education in Europe: Personal Narrative,

the context in which the professionals are

ed in the final chapter, where George asks

gue” wherein each participant is engaged in a

Global Conversations’ by Shanti George

placed... On the whole, the book makes very

whether a school of development studies can

two-way translation, of the particularities of

(Sage, Delhi/London/Thousand Oaks, 1997)

interesting and absorbing reading. To a student

provide the setting for a genuine global conver-

one’s own language into a ”universally under-

is available at the ISS bookshop at a special

of economics, in particular, the book presents

sation based on the interaction of many

standable idiom and of postulated universal

price of fl 55,-.

CESTRAD: New Centre on Transition at ISS! The Centre for the Study of Transition and Development (CESTRAD) is a new specialized unit for research, policy analysis and training, established at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague. The activities of CESTRAD are focused on the emerging developmental problems in the complex transition from command to market (or mixed) economies that has been taking place in particular since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent disintegration of the Soviet bloc. CESTRAD is a new multi-disciplinary research, policy analysis and training unit at the Institute of Social Studies on the transitional economies (CEEC, FSU, China, Vietnam and Mongolia), and processes of structural change in LDCs (such as in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Nicaragua). CESTRAD activities (1999-2000) ❏ Expanding the number of PhD/Postdoctoral researchers at the Institute of Social Studies in the field of transition and development. ❏ Developing teaching modules on ‘transition’ in the Institute’s teaching programmes. ❏ Organizing an international seminar-workshop in September 2000 on ‘Transition and Development: Agenda 2000’, to be held at the ISS. ❏ Promoting and realising (through joint research and PhD projects) scientific publications. ❏ Attracting funding for CESTRAD research and training activities. International Advisory Committee Prof. Michael Ellman, University of Amsterdam Prof. John Weeks, SOAS, University of London Prof. Keith Griffin Riverside University, California Prof. Per Ronnås, NIAS, Copenhagen CESTRAD Centre for the Study of Institute of Social Studies Transition and Development P.O.Box 29776 CESTRAD 2502 LT The Hague The Netherlands Max Spoor, Coordinator Tel: 00 31 70 4260545 • Fax: 00 31 70 4260799 E-Mail: cestrad@iss.nl or spoor@iss.nl • Website: http:/www.iss.nl/cestrad

continued from page 1

Transition to Underdevelopment? The UNDP had just published its

Dreams?’, ‘Transition and Environ-

Conflict prevention was addressed

Regional Human Development Report

mental Degradation’, ‘Destruction or

in a programme provided by the

(Transition 1999), which painted a rat-

Reconstruction: Conflicts and Ethnic

Clingendael Institute in The Hague,

her dramatic picture. With some nota-

Tensions’, ‘Decentralise or Perish? The

focusing on the conflicts in Nagorno-

ble exceptions in Central Europe, such

Future of the Nation State’, and

Karabach, between Armenia and

as Poland, Hungary and Slovenia, most

‘Poverty and Social Exclusion in

Azerbaijan, and in Kosovo. On this

of the other countries suffered an enor-

Transition’. In addition, several compa-

topic, on the last day of the conference,

mous decline in living standards. Not

rative papers were presented, on the

a team of independent scholars from

only has their GDP declined, such as in

Asian Financial Crisis, Poverty in Latin

the Balkan region led by Dr. Ivan

Russia by 41 percent between 1991-

America, and Transition Processes in

Krastev of Bulgaria, presented - in an

97, but there has also been a dramatic

China and Vietnam. More than one

official media launch - the report

redistribution of income. This has left

hundred people participated in the

‘Human Security for South-East

large sections of the population with

conference, including representatives

Europe’. The report, specially commis-

low, and sometimes insufficient, in-

of NGOs, consultancy firms, ministries,

sioned by the UN Secretary General,

comes. In the report, Anton Kruiderink

academic institutions, the embassies of

makes a plea for an integral conflict

said that there had been a ‘meltdown

the countries involved, and students

prevention and post-conflict strategy

of expectations’ since the early eupho-

and staff of the ISS. Consequently,

that sets human security as its main

ria when it was widely believed that ‘it’

Beyond Transition: Ten Years after the

objective. The Balkan region is highly

would not take very long and that

Fall, provided an excellent forum for

unstable and has most likely not yet

democracy and improved living

dialogue on ‘transition and develop-

seen the end of conflict. In the words of

standards were as it were ‘just around

ment’, an area in which the ISS is increa-

the report: ‘South-East Europe is a vast

the corner’.

singly active. Not only are more and

political laboratory on top of a mass

To analyze profoundly ‘what went

more students coming from places like

grave’. This dramatic message

wrong’ an intensive debate was organi-

Albania, Uzbekistan and Mongolia, but

underlined the seriousness of the very

zed around a number of fascinating

institutional cooperation with ‘countries

unstable political situation at the end of

themes, including ‘The 1998 Russian

in transition’ is thriving [see the box on

a ‘decade of transition’. Max Spoor is

Crisis: The Washington Consensus

CESTRAD, the ISS Centre for the

Associate Professor of Rural Policy Analysis

Revisited?’, ‘Pipelines or Pipe

Study of Transition and Development]

of Transitional Economies at the ISS.

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

Staff News

Calling all alumni...

Congratulations

Max Spoor was appointed Associate

Saskia Wieringa, Senior Lecturer in Women

Professor of Rural Policy Analysis of

and Development Studies at the ISS, and

Transitional Economies in July 1999

Evelyn Blackwood, of Purdue University,

Mohamed Salih was appointed Professor of

Indiana, have been awarded the Ruth Benedict

Politics of Development in October 1999.

Prize for the book ‘Female Desires’, which they

As the Editorial Board says in its welcome message on page 2, Development ISSues aims to provi-

To those alumni who did send in articles, delayed thanks and the books are on their way. And to those of you who have not yet put pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, we

de a platform for the exchange of

are waiting to hear from you. We cannot pro-

views and ideas.

mise that all contributions will be published in

co-edited and co-authored.

Welcome new staff

Dr Susan Seizer, who chaired the 1999

Arjun Singh Bedi, Lecturer in Quantitative

Benedict Prize committee said that the com-

Economics

We would particularly welcome contributions

to let you know of their decision. The fax,

mittee wished to honour Female Desires ‘for its

Sharmini Bisessar, Programme Administrator

from ISS alumni and would like to repeat the

email and postal addresses to which you

important contribution to the anthropological

Gerri ter Haar, External Professor in Religion,

offer made by the Rector in the final issue of

send your contributions can be found on the

understanding of same-sex relations across

Human Rights and Social Change

the Alumni Magazine. To encourage alumni

back page.

cultures’.

Wil Hout, Senior Lecturer in International

to submit contributions, the Rector promised

The prize will be officially presented in Chicago

Relations and Development

to send a copy of Shanti George’s book

We hope to publish the first alumni contribu-

on 20 November 1999 at a meeting of the

Irene van Staveren, Senior Lecturer in

(reviewed on page 9) to the authors of the

tions in the second number of Development

American Anthropological Association.

Quantitative Development Economics

first five articles received.

ISSues, due to appear early next year.

Bert Helmsing was appointed Professor of

Francisca Vorselman, Administrative

Local and Regional Development in January

Assistant to the Office of Educational Affairs

The response to the Rector’s generous offer

1999

Irene Vos-Lopez, Staff Group Administrator

was less than overwhelming. Suffice to say

Des Gasper was appointed Associate Profes-

Marja Zubli, Programme Administrator

that there are still a couple of copies of the

Development ISSues, but all will be considered seriously and the editors will contact you

book gathering dust on his desk.

sor of Public Policy Management in April 1999.

continued from page 2

The EGAL project • the weakness of the existing institutional

implementing a distance learning programme

The course will make explicit reference to

production or improve competitiveness, so that

mechanisms linking local government, the

at the end of the project. This will allow the

these:

the local economy is integrated in the globaliza-

private sector and local civil society;

team to produce and test the materials for three

• the need to design and promote the deve-

years before the implementation of a distance

lopment of mechanisms that can generate

learning modality is launched. At the end of the

networks of collective action;

project FLACSO – and the project partners –

• the relative poverty of the conceptual and theoretical background on which LED

will have the capacity to deliver training using

Local Networks

Commodity Chains

Competitiveness

Equity

distance learning, on a self-financing basis.

policies are based; and • the need to formulate strategies and policies to develop competitive advantages in localties.

The underlying concept of LED sustained by Collective Action

the project is that economic growth is a neces-

Systems of Control

sary but not sufficient condition of local deveTo deal with these problems the project will

lopment. Equity – considered in a broad sense

Commodity chains organize the production of

tion process on more favourable terms.

create the institutional capacity required to

and encompassing elements of class, gender,

particular goods, from original raw materials to

The systems of explicit or implicit controls

provide training related to policy analysis and

ethnicity and age – is at the core of the concept

final product demand. They represent the local

which can be formal and/or informal, are

formulation in the field of Local Economic

of local development. Even further, equity is

productive capacity and are the means through

mechanisms that regulate the relations

Development, which takes into account the

considered to be the foundation and the main

which the locality becomes integrated in a glo-

between institutions and actors – whether local

equity effects of globalization and adjustment,

source of local competitiveness. LED promo-

balizing economy. The variety of commodity

or extra-local – and determine how and to what

as well as the need to foster the competitive-

tion, as a local agenda, can be better achieved

chains and the efficiency with which they func-

extent the benefits of development are internali-

ness of localities on open markets.

through the collective, coordinated action of

tion may determine the strength and the degree

zed locally.

local actors. These local actors are the institu-

of competitiveness of the local economy. The

The immediate objective of the project is to

tions of the local administration (municipalities

extent to which they are embedded – through

The local mechanisms for cooperation between

design and implement postgraduate program-

and local councils, plus state agencies active in

local forward and backward linkages and

individuals, groups and organizations that may

mes on Local Economic Development in the

the locality), properly empowered community-

through financial ties – into the local economy,

result in collective action. Cooperation among

context of adjustment and globalization. The

based organizations, and the local business

will determine how much the locality will benefit

producers and between these and the local

training that will be offered will consist of two

community.

from expansions into the global markets, either

administration and the local community may

diploma programmes. One will provide partici-

through incrementing the local share in the

allow for broad participation in the definition of

pants with training in social science research

Taking a proactive approach, it is postulated

commodity chains, or by the expansion and

the LED agenda and in the mobilization of

within the context of LED. The other, a taught

that localities will develop if they can compete

growth of the chains.

resources to implement it.

course, will train participants in policy analysis

with advantage in extra-local markets, and if

Local networks are mechanisms through which

and formulation for LED. The programmes

the costs and benefits of development are

local actors – mainly private entrepreneurs, but

The ISS teaching team will consist of Prof. Bert

will run in parallel and will share teaching

equitably distributed among the local people.

also local administrative institutions and com-

Helmsing, Dr Peter Knorringa, João Guimarães

materials and case studies. Three cycles of

Competitiveness and equity are considered to

munity-based organizations – can coordinate

and Guillermo Lathrop, who will be the ISS pro-

each programme are envisaged during the

depend on four other dimensions that should

production and transaction decisions and distri-

ject leader and will be seconded to Costa Rica.

project period.

be taken into account for policy analysis and

bute information on opportunities and threats

Guillermo Lathrop is Lecturer in Urban and

From the outset the preparation of teaching

formulation.

relevant to the local economy. With this infor-

Regional Planning at the ISS

materials will be carried out with the aim of

mation, resources can be mobilized to expand

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues continued from page 3

Global Traders and Local Producers Another example of socioeconomic impacts could be a focus

via four dimensions. First, are producers at an incipient or advan-

other ISS faculty members will most likely be involved in the sub-

on the role of (international) trade unions in enforcing global

ced stage; second, do they operate in price or quality-driven

themes: Peter de Valk from Economics of Development (ECD),

labour and environmental standards for currently low-paid and

chains; third, are producers acquiring skills in non-production

Prof. Bert Helmsing from Local and Regional Development

unprotected workers facing health and safety hazards in local

activities; and, fourth, do buyers source directly from producers

(LRD), and Thanh-Dam Truong and Amrita Chhachhi from

industries.

or through intermediaries?

Women and Development (W&D). The challenge is to bring their

The second level of research could investigate, for example, how

In short, the more comprehensive research programme aims to

expertise together, jointly develop a framework for analysis, and

entrepreneurs, through various forms of joint action (also with

connect findings on the global ‘view from above’ with the local

facilitate synergies.

public or private support institutions), could try to become more

‘view from below’. A number of detailed case studies should

A next step involves bringing in specialized researchers from

attractive to the better paying global buyers. At the same time,

make these connections explicit. The choice of sectors and

outside the ISS. Researchers stationed in developing countries

local entrepreneurs may develop diversification strategies to

countries for these case studies has not yet been made. Such

are to play a key role. Not only in carrying out fieldwork on local

decrease their dependence on a limited number of global buyers.

case studies will provide strong and down to earth examples of

responses and socioeconomic impacts, but also to provide feed-

The first level of research, on the buyers themselves, focuses on

global-local connections in the context of production and

back for the research on the ‘view from above’. At present we are

how and when buyers play an upgrading role. In order to deter-

employment in industrial and agricultural exports from develo-

trying to put together a list of potential partners and we invite

mine differences in this role, we envisage investigating three dif-

ping countries.

members of the wider ISS community to respond. The program-

ferent types of global buyers: large commercial buyers, buyers at

me is still at an initial stage and interested researchers are invited

the forefront of creating the ‘responsible corporation’ (like the

Participating researchers

to formulate their own specific ideas on where and how they feel

Body Shop), and Fair Trade Organizations. Based on an already

The research programme is to be developed by Dr. Peter

they could contribute to this programme.

completed pilot study on the role of global buyers in the footwear

Knorringa (ISS, Lecturer in Local and Regional Development) in

Peter Knorringa is Lecturer in Local and Regional Development

industry, we suggest investigating the upgrading role of buyers

collaboration with Hubert Schmitz (IDS, Sussex, U.K.). Several

at the ISS.

Africa Day

continued from page 5

He observed four principle areas that were

international politics, policies and international

Challenges in the 21st Century’. Dr Olowu,

in many countries in Africa, makes little sense

affecting the continent’s economy, namely:

relations. He specifically pointed to the need for

whose lecture was punctuated with jokes and

to the millions who live below the official pover-

• the problem of poverty and rapid population

the democratization of such bodies as the UN

generated much laughter, observed that Africa’s

ty line, to those whose human rights have been

growth, which has led to food insecurity and

(especially the Security Council), WTO (World

economic woes were a problem of the past,

abused, those in prison because of their politi-

persistent social and political problems;

Trade Organization), IMF (International Mone-

present and future. He said that, generally spea-

cal persuasion or in exile as refugees (political,

tary Fund) and World Bank. He suggested that

king, the economies of most African countries

economic, social etc).

export-led economies, which export raw

the agenda of these bodies should ‘be respon-

had achieved growth, a decrease in inflation, an

materials to the developed world against

sive to the needs of the developing world’.

improved fiscal balance, a heightened recogni-

Hence, as sweet and seductive as the addres-

• the dependence of African countries on

unfair terms of trade, leading to a negative impact on the local economies; • the overwhelming dependence of African

tion of the importance of economic growth and

ses and lectures offered on this occasion at the

Mr Niehaus challenged African countries to

democracy for development, and even an

ISS were, the mere fact is that, if nothing is

clean up the mess created by themselves. He

increased commitment to conflict resolution.

done to implement the specific antidotes sug-

countries on foreign aid, making them vulne-

advocated accelerating the democratization

rable; lack of human resources development

process and greater respect for human rights.

Dr Olowu suggested that Africa’s future pros-

be just another annual routine without any sig-

in Africa, which impacts negatively on the

He declared that Africa ‘has no need for crimi-

pects could only improve if there were persis-

nificance to the local African. The political elites

social services sector.

nals who acquire political power by slaughte-

tent economic, financial sector and political

and establishment will invest more time and

ring the innocents’. Questioning the internal

reforms, regional cooperation and integration,

money and energy meeting to review problems

Mr Niehaus, a man with impressive oratorical

inequality between the rich and the poor in

and sustained conflict prevention/peace

that affect millions of Africans, but will not offer

power, criticized the developed democracies

Africa, he called on all Africans to say ‘no more’.

building.

the solutions to which they hold the key.

for contributing (in)directly to the political and

He challenged Africans to put a stop to the

economic woes of Africa. To illustrate this, he

humiliation of being called the ‘Dark Continent’

Commentary

Africa Day and the OAU are a painful reminder

pointed out that the European Union market

and to concentrate instead the on ‘African

Africa Day, which commemorates the founda-

of how far down the road Africa has gone. The

remained protected to the extent that most

Renaissance’, which is popular, focused and

tion of the OAU, was marked by intensive and

sad reality is that even after so many years of

African countries, even those within ACP

participatory. He suggested that the African

high-powered speeches and lectures. OAU day

the OAU’s presence Africa remains a true

(Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific), were not

Renaissance should include the following

is supposed to serve as a reminder of the gains

example of a continent lead by elites complete-

getting a fair share of the market, in spite of the

elements:

that the continent has consolidated and of the

ly out of touch with the realities of the majority.

Lomé Conventions. He also observed that the

• an agenda for economic recovery;

achievements of the organization. Since its

Yet there is potential for the OAU to be repre-

prescriptive attitude of the developed econo-

• improved economic relations between Africa

inception, the OAU has been a ‘toothless dog’.

sentative (qualitatively) of the voices of Africans.

So many problems that would have warranted

To achieve this it must be given material, moral

intervention by African governments, and the

and political backing by its membership. It must

OAU in particular, have not been addressed.

turn such rhetoric addresses year in year out

The OAU remains a political club for tyrannical

into real action so that the political and econo-

African leaders (all men), who meet to discuss

mic goods can be delivered and enjoyed by

issues that in no way reflect the pain and

Africans. The new millennium offers the conti-

aspirations of the majority of Africa’s suffering

nent and the OAU a chance to reform itself and

mies in blaming Africa’s problem on Africans ‘as creators of their own misfortune’ was misguided and rhetorical. He gave examples of trade policies by the West, and particularly by institutions like the GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs), that were generally unfair to the economies of developing nations.

and the developed world; • sovereignty, with Africans being responsible for their own destiny; • people-driven and people-centred economic growth; • development of a common agenda for Africa’s renewal.

gested, Africa Day will remain a talk show. It will

people. As a political chat house, the OAU has

to give back a clear vision and meaning to the

Mr Niehaus devoted most of his speech to sug-

He concluded his high-powered speech by

not achieved much to be proud of. There is a

peoples of Africa. Then one day Africa will

gesting solutions to the problems that are cho-

observing that Africans needed to be proud of

persistent lack of political will among the mem-

surely enjoy a real AFRICA DAY.

king the continent. He urged African countries

who they are and where they come from, in

bership of the OAU to take an honest and intro-

to try to ‘influence the process of globalization’,

spite of current realities. He called on all

spective look at their countries and act upon

Isaack Otieno,

a phenomenon in which he observed could

Africans to proudly declare ‘I am an African’.

those matters that desperately beg for attention.

Chairman Africa (Students) Committee,

states’. He challenged Africans to consolidate

Dr Bamidele Olowu, a lecturer at the ISS, then

Africa Day still has little meaning to the women

their sovereignty. He also called for reform in

gave a brief lecture entitled ‘African Economic

and children displaced by persistent civil strife

easily lead to ‘destruction of the sovereign

Institute of Social Studies

E V E L O P M E N T

ISSues

ISS Working Papers can be purchased or ordered from: The Bookshop

Publications P.O. Box 29776

2502 LT The Hague

Publications

The Netherlands

Telefax: 31 70 4260799 For a complete list of Working Papers see the ISS website.

ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS AND

ISS WORKING PAPERS

DEVELOPMENT

GENERAL SERIES • ISSN 0921-0210

Editors: Hans Opschoor, Kenneth Button and

284

Xu Li: Gender Relations and Reproductive Decision-Making in the context of Rural China of the Post-Reform Period (January 1999).

Peter Nijkamp

285

Marco V. Sánchez Cantillo: Implications of the Opening of Trade on Production, Income Distribution and the Balance of Trade:

This collection surveys the relationship between the environment and development, and highlights some of the tensions that are

A Computable General Equilibrium Model for Costa Rica with Counterfactual Simulations (January 1999). 286

Peter Waterman: Of Saints, Sinners and Compañeras: Internationalist Lives in the Americas Today (February 1999).

287

Nicholas Awortwi: The Riddle of Community Development: Factors Influencing Organisation, Participation and Self-Management in 29 African

implicit in the notion of sustainable development. It is the fifth publication in the Environmental Analysis and Economic Policy series,

and Latin American Communities (February 1999). 288

George Kurian: Empowering Conditions in the Decentralisation Process: An Analysis of Dynamics, Factors and Actors in Panchayati Raj Institutions from West Bengal and Karnataka, India (March 1999).

which reproduces the most important articles 289

Bridget O’Laughlin: In defence of the household: Marx, gender and the utilitarian impasse (May 1999).

nomics and management. The collection is

290

Claudius Preville How will free trade impact on net global economic welfare?: an analysis of the EU’s banana market structure (June 1999)

co-edited by ISS Rector Hans Opschoor.

291

across the entire range of environmental eco-

Published by Edward Elgin Publishing, 1999 ISBN 1-85958-740-7

A.H.J. (Bert) Helmsing Competitive response, innovation and creating an innovative milieu: The case of manufacturing industry in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (June 1999).

292

Rob Vos, Margarita Velasco and Edgar Labastida Economic and social effects of ”el Niño” in Ecuador, 1997-8 (July 1999).

293

Andrea Manuelli Direct investment and export from Italian industry: divergences and convergences of a small enterprise economy. (July 1999)

LATIN AMERICA TRANSFORMED:

294

Edsel Sajor Cutting trees and the dynamics of social change: The case of the Ifugao Muyong in the Philippine uplands (August 1999).

GLOBALIZATION AND MODERNITY

295

Aaron Pollack Epistemological Struggle and International Organizing: applying the experience of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation

Editors: Robert Gwynne and Cristóbal Kay An international team of authors from a range of disciplines contextualize current trends in Latin American development. They provide a

(August 1999). 296

Amrita Chhachhi ”Gender, Flexibility, Skill and Industrial Restructuring: The Electronics Industry in India.

297

Des Gasper Ethics and the Conduct of International Development Aid: Charity and Obligation (September 1999).

298

Max Spoor Agrarian Transition in Former Soviet Central Asia: A Comparative study of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzystan and Uzbekistan

critical yet balanced analysis of the neoliberal

(September 1999).

policies pursued by almost all countries in the 299

Erwin Alampay Organizations in development: The changing nature of service provision in the Philippines (October 1999).

300

Des Gasper Anecdotes, Situations, Histories - Varieties and uses of cases in thinking about ethics and development practice (October 1999).

University of Birmingham have produced ‘an

301

Ardeshir Sepehri and Haroon Akram-Lodhi Does Paradise have a Future? A Three-Gap Analysis of the Fiji Economy (October 1999).

excellent text for teaching and for research’

302

Des Gasper ‘Drawing a Line’ - Ethical and Political Strategies in Complex Emergency Assistance (October 1999).

(Bryan R. Roberts, University of Texas).

303

Des Gasper Evaluating the ”logical framework approach”- towards learning-oriented development evaluation (October 1999).

Published by Arnold Publishers, 1999

304

Feng Guoping Changing patterns in determinants of fertility decline in China in the 1980’s (October 1999).

ISBN 0 340 69165 4 (paperback)

305

A.H.J. (Bert) Helmsing Flexible specialisation, clusters and industrial districts and ‘second’ and ‘third generation’ regional policies

region over the last two decades. Cristobal Kay of the ISS and Robert Gwynne of the

ISBN 0 340 73191 5 (hardback)

(November 1999). The journal Development and Change is published five times a year by Blackwell Publishers (Oxford, UK) on behalf of the Institute of Social Studies. For more information, see the ISS web site, or e-mail us at d&c@iss.nl. Available online at http://www.blackwellpublishers.co.uk/online

Volume 30

Number 3

SPECIAL ISSUE: GUEST EDITOR:

GENDERED POVERTY AND WELL-BEING SHAHRA RAZAVI

Institute of Social Studies

SHAHRA RAZAVI

Gendered Poverty and Well-being: Introduction

PO Box 29776

NAILA KABEER

Resource, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women’s Empowerment

Development ISSues is published three times a year by:

The Netherlands

Fax: + 31 (0)70 4260 799 ISS website: www.iss.nl E-mail: DevISSues@iss.nl Editors: René Bekius, Andy Brown

RUHI SAITH AND BARBARA HARRISSWHITE

The Gender Sensitivity of Conventional Well-being Indicators

DENIZ KANDIYOTI

Poverty in Transition: An Ethnographic Critique of Household Surveys in PostSoviet Central Asia

Editorial assistant: Karen Shaw Editorial Board: Erhard Berner, James Busuttil, Geske Dijkstra, Max Spoor Richard Lemama (Scholas) Design and Production: Seinen & v. Leeuwen

Material from Development ISSues may be reproduced or adapted without permission, provided it is not distributed for profit and

Social Studies. Unless otherwise stated, all photographs are by courtesy of the projects concerned. ISSN: 1566-4821 The views expressed are those of the

CECILE JACKSON AND RICHARD PALMER-JONES

Rethinking Gendered Poverty and Work

S. SUDHA AND S. IRUDAYA RAJAN

Female Demographic Disadvantage in India 1981-1991: Sex Selective Abortions and Female Infanticide

MONICA DAS GUPTA Gender Bias and the ‘Marriage Squeeze’ in AND LI SHUZHUO China, South Korea and India 1920-1990: The Effects of War, Famine and Fertility Decline SHAHRA RAZAVI

individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Institute.

Number 4

October 1999

MICHAEL L. GRAY

Creating Civil Society? Emergence of NGOs in Vietnam

LANYAN CHEN

Expanding Women’s Co-operatives in China through Institutional Linkages

GABRIELLA R. MONTINOLA

Politicians, Parties, and the Persistence of Weak States: Lessons from the Philippines

GEOF WOOD

Private Provision after Public Neglect: Bending Irrigation Markets in North Bihar

ANN WHITEHEAD AND Gendering Poverty: A Review of Six World MATTHEWLOCKWOOD Bank African Poverty Assessments

is attributed to the original author(s), Development ISSues and the Institute of

Volume 30

t n e m p o l e v e e g D n a h C d n a

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Tel: + 31 (0)70 4260 443 or 4260 525

July 1999

GITA SEN

Labour-Intensive Growth, Poverty and Gender: Contested Accounts Engendering Poverty Alleviation: Challenges and Opportunities

LUCIA C. HANMER, What do the World Bank’s Poverty GRAHAM PYATT AND Assessments teach us about Poverty in SubSaharan Africa? HOWARD WHITE DANIEL MAXWELL AND KEITH WIEBE

Land Tenure and Food Security: Exploring Dynamic Linkages

BOOK REVIEWS Index to Volume 30