Poverty Reduction and Institutional Change
In: Seton Hall Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, Band 1, Heft 1, S. 61-73
Contemplates the kind of institutions needed to address the need for global poverty reduction. Discussion begins with a look at the cultural foundations that provide food security in Western societies characterized by a state-market-civil society balance. It is argued that the inequalities fomented by globalization require institutional adjustments to forestall potential instability that puts global security at risk. In terms of policy, translating the intensive growth required for membership in the world economy into sustainable poverty reduction requires rural development & labor-intensive industries, equitable access to social services, resilient social safety nets, & an environment-friendly regulatory framework. A new developmental consensus has emerged, bearing with it a new concept of capital: neoinstitutionalism, which is understood as a social learning process. A form of organization is proposed to achieve defined public policy goals wherein civil society is viewed as a distinct organizational alternative next to government & the market. This involves a globally connected network of voluntary associations. It is argued that institutional changes must occur at the global level; the development of new concepts, deployment of new instruments, & building of new partnerships at national & global levels are a must for global poverty reduction to succeed. Sustainable results in poverty reduction depend on the overall institutional framework reflecting the needs of the market, the aspirations & knowledge of the people, & the support of the state. J. Zendejas