Suchergebnisse

A discussion of the role of technology & its socioeconomic impact on Third World societies. After defining the meaning of science & technology, contrasting technology-social change perspectives are briefly reviewed, followed by a brief discourse on the process of social change induced by technology. It is argued that technological change presents new problems as well as new opportunities, in that it disrupts social structures by forcing changes in existing socioeconomic institutions & relationships. These transitional disruptions tend to be more painful for the Third World than was the case for the now developed nations. Thus, the Third World faces the challenge of making facilitative adaptations, while preserving the best of their traditions. While the challenge is formidable, it is eased somewhat by the fact that the Third World can selectively learn from the developed world's experience. 25 References. AA

Evaluates the socioeconomic changes induced by technological change and industralisation. Focuses on how the 2 interact and how technological change carries with it forces of social disintegration as well as ingredients for social integration. (SJK)

It is commonly recognized that Third World development is an interdisciplinary phenomenon in which noneconomic forces are at least as prominent as economic variables. Recent evidence to the contrary, it has often been argued that certain noneconomic, sociocultural factors (attitudes, values, traditions, institutions) obstruct development, while others promote it -- these factors usually being classified as "traditional" or "modern" in the literature. There has been considerable debate not only as to the causal links between modernity & development, but also as to the traditional-modern dichotomy being a reflection of Western values. Evidence is presented on the degree of "attitudinal modernity" & its association with certain economic-demographic (ED) characteristics in Pakistan. Data were gathered in Lahore; relying on a Likert scale, responses were obtained from a random sample of 121 adults to a questionnaire including 50 statements reflecting types of attitudes often suggested as inimical to change & development in Third World countries. The statements covered: business, rationality, science, tradition, religion, & familism, & 6 ED characteristics of Rs were identified: education, age, income, family size, sex, & Ru-Ur background. Education was determined to be a key element in promoting attitudinal (& thus behavioral) modernity, as has been documented in studies of other Third World countries. 2 Tables, Appendix. Modified AA.

A review essay on a book by Beatriz Armendariz de Aghion & Jonathan Morduch The Economics of Microfinance (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005).

Investigates (1) how the growth of microfinance enterprises, beginning with Bangladesh's Grameen Bank, might jeopardize their effectiveness & (2) how different forms of organization & objectives of credit union programs can offer different institutional arrangements that may be useful in the framework of larger microlenders. A network of self-managed village banks known as cassies villageoisie in the Dogon region of Mali is examined as an illustration. 17 References. Adapted from the source document.

An evaluation of less developed countries' (LDCs) use of countertrade, a goods & services trade agreement where no money is exchanged. Practiced by both LDCs & multinational corporations to solve a variety of international business problems, countertrade's post-WWII rise in popularity is sketched, identifying LDCs in Asia, Africa, Latin America, & the Middle East with favorable policies. Countertrade types are identified, including barter, counterpurchase, offsets, compensation-buybacks, & switch trading, & featuring variations in transaction completion periods, payment terms, & goods traded. Arguing that it is antifree market, governments of developing countries oppose bilateral countertrading agreements, while private enterprises within these countries have their tacit approval to enter into such agreements. Countertrade is beneficial to LDCs as a long-term economic investment & development strategy for improving their export market. 1 Table, 22 References. J. Sadler

Economic and social impacts of the promotion of entrepreneurial industries. Based largely on a workshop to identify barriers to small enterprise development, held in Nairobi, July 1989.

Barriers to small enterprise development in Kenya are identified, related to: (1) the investment climate being detrimental to small enterprise growth; (2) entrepreneurs encountering problems in raising capital; & (3) deficiencies in information & managerial skills. Possibilities that these scarce resources could lead to increased employment are considered. The development of small-scale enterprises could strengthen Kenya's economy & absorb its rapidly growing labor force. Three factors are likely to be influential in this respect: (1) the nature & extent of public sector involvement; (2) the emergence of an appropriate enterprise culture; & (3) incentives to encourage appropriate private-sector activities. It is argued that past public policies have been overly interventional, emphasizing indigenization of economic activity in Kenya, & that the public-sector role should be more facilitative. Suggestions are offered concerning a reoriented public-sector role, & how the role of the private sector may be strengthened in this context is discussed. 1 Table, 17 References. AA