PRB’s Post

The NBER Working Paper "Upward Mobility in Developing Countries" meticulously evaluates socioeconomic mobility's intricacies and empirical evidence within a developmental context, focusing on theoretical advancements and empirical assessments across 122 countries. The study primarily explores upward mobility through innovative panel-free measures, which overcome traditional data limitations by circumventing the need for longitudinal data sets, which are scarce in developing nations. The investigation leverages the World Inequality Database to apply these new metrics, revealing significant disparities in mobility outcomes among countries. The methodology integrates an economic model that addresses absolute and relative mobility, distinguishing between non-directional mobility, which notes changes in socioeconomic status, and directional mobility, which significantly values positive changes. This nuanced approach allows for a deeper understanding of the dynamics that influence economic ascent and the potential barriers to such progress. The results underscore a critical reassessment of traditional views on mobility, suggesting that existing economic frameworks may underrepresent the complexity of mobility in developing regions. They point to significant variations in mobility between countries and regions, suggesting that economic policies and practices that are effective in one setting may not be universally applicable. The document calls for a reevaluation of how mobility is measured. It suggests that enhancing information transparency and accessibility could significantly impact the effectiveness of economic policies to improve mobility. The study advocates for continued exploration into the multifaceted nature of socioeconomic ascendance, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches tailored to the unique challenges developing countries face. Questions: 1) How have traditional economic models and measures failed to capture the full mobility spectrum in developing countries? 👀 2) What are the immediate economic and social impacts of applying panel-free mobility measures in developing countries? 👀 3) How can future research further innovate to accurately measure and enhance upward mobility in the dynamically changing economies of developing countries? 👀 💡 Genicot, G., Ray, D., & Concha-Arriagada, C. (2024). Upward mobility in developing countries. National Bureau of Economic Research. Retrieved from https://lnkd.in/dgud8eGU

The 12th Social Situation Monitor research seminar organized by ICF and HIVA-KU Leuven on September 26, 2024, was opened by Barbara Kauffman from DG EMPL, European Commission and Dr. Simona Milio, aiming to explore economic and social dissatisfaction's impact on trust in governments and the EU, especially in light of the cost of living crisis. The kynote by Dr. Silke Goubin discussed economic inequality and political disengagement, followed by presentations from five speakers on topics such as the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, economic distress, Euroscepticism, public spending reforms, and financial insecurity. Key messages highlighted low trust in institutions due to income inequality and dissatisfaction with public services, especially housing. Discussions included the nature of distrust, social attitudes towards wealth, and political relevance to different demographics. By relying on analysis of data from various surveys, as well as microsimulation models and political indicators, the seminar highlighted that there are many potential contributing factors to social dissatisfaction and trust in institutions, such as income inequality and perceived financial institutions. Analysing various dimensions of regional disparities and drawing attention to the role of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified as key perspectives for understanding the link between economic conditions and institutional trust. The seminar also highlighted that the complexity of isolating these effects, along with confounding factors like public perceptions, underscores the need for long-term and multi-dimensional approaches. Massive thanks to all speakers Boris Chafwehé, Erica Poma , Henri Haapanala, Sofia Vasilopoulou, Juan Fernandez for making this seminar so interesting, to the ICF team Valeria Ansaloni , Koen van Lieshout , Tamar Biedron , Corinne Mele and the HIVA-KU Leuven team Mikkel Barslund and Ides Nicaise for all your amazing support. #thisisicf #livingcrisis #politicaldisingagement #institutionaltrust

♾️ EQUITY IS PRAXIS: from conceptualization to Practice Looking forward to speaking this week at the European Evaluation Society (EES) Conference 2024. The Conference brings together donors, researchers and outstanding thinkers and changemakers from around the world experimenting with diverse approaches to co-produce knowledge for justice, equity and social change. Generously invited by Ford Foundation, Global Change Center + #Latam, #Asia and #Africa Global South partners’ action- research on equity-centered evaluation. I will present together with colleagues from Ford, UNDP, CLEAR Anglophone Africa University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; and the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association. Subarna N. Mathes, Senior Strategy and Evaluation Officer at the Ford Foundation, will moderate this discussion and contribute insights from Ford’s own efforts to embed equity in the commissioning, design, and implementation of evaluations. Cecilia Milesi will present findings from a Southern-led landscape analysis funded by the Ford Foundation. The landscape analysis, which consulted over 100 evaluators, commissioners, and academics, examined the state of equity-oriented evaluation globally and identified practices employed by both commissioners of evaluations and practitioners who implement them. The analysis brought to light places where significant gaps remain in making progress toward equity. These include an overemphasis by commissioners on activities and outputs in their evaluation questions, a lack of outreach to more diverse evaluators or those based closer to communities (particularly evaluators in the Global South), and a lack of appreciation of context-specific methodologies. The second panelist, Tina Tordjman-Nebe from UN Evaluation Group’s (United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG), will bring the perspective of a multilateral evaluation commissioner. She will highlight a recent formative evaluation of the organization’s efforts to integrate “Leave No One Behind” principles across its programs and operations. The third and fourth panelists will be two practitioners from the Global South advancing thinking and practice of equitable evaluation methodologies. Randika Lawson De Mel will share their experience trying to embed indigenous evaluation approaches across Southeast Asia, specifically focusing on a pilot project in Sri Lanka. Steven Masvaure will highlight his experience in taking steps to apply Made in Africa approaches, by integrating it into government policies, university curricula, and practitioners guides. Together, we will unpack fundamental questions, share lessons and evidence; hoping to stimulate an open debate for action as we continue promoting equity-centered evaluations globally. Full programme: https://lnkd.in/eAzbNk7B Onwards! ✨️✨️ 🌎🌍🌏 Praxis Institute for Participatory Practices GENSA (Gender and Equity Network South Asia) North-South Initiative #ViralizingSolidarity

The Economist Democracy Index for '23: The advantages that the index and the study case of Norway. The Economist Democracy Index for '23 serves as a crucial barometer in our turbulent global political landscape. It offers a comprehensive assessment of the state of democracy worldwide, providing insights that are invaluable for policymakers, scholars & citizens alike. Amidst the complexities of modern governance, the index stands as a beacon, illuminating both the successes and shortcomings of democratic systems across the globe. In the latest edition of the index, Norway emerged as the standard-bearer of democracy, clinching the top spot. This achievement is not merely a testament to Norway's political stability or economic prosperity, but rather a reflection of its unwavering commitment to democratic principles. With robust institutions, high levels of political participation, and a vibrant civil society, Norway exemplifies the ideals of democracy in action. One of the key factors contributing to Norway's success is its emphasis on inclusivity and social cohesion. With a strong welfare state and a focus on equality, Norway has managed to mitigate socio-economic disparities, fostering a sense of solidarity among its citizens. This social cohesion forms the bedrock of Norwegian democracy, ensuring that no voice is left unheard and no community marginalized. Moreover, Norway's commitment to transparency and accountability sets it apart on the global stage. With low levels of corruption and a strong rule of law, the Norwegian government enjoys high levels of trust from its citizens. This trust is not taken for granted but is continually reinforced through mechanisms such as freedom of information laws and independent oversight bodies. Furthermore, Norway's approach to democracy is characterized by pragmatism and adaptability. Recognizing the evolving nature of political challenges, Norway has shown a willingness to experiment with innovative solutions, whether it be through digital democracy initiatives or deliberative forums. This flexibility enables Norway to address emerging threats to democracy proactively, safeguarding its resilience in the face of adversity. The Norwegian model offers valuable lessons. Firstly, investing in social cohesion and inclusivity is essential for fostering a thriving democracy. By prioritizing the well-being of all citizens, governments can build resilience against the forces of polarization and division. Secondly, maintaining transparency and accountability is paramount in building trust between the government and its citizens. Finally, embracing pragmatism and adaptability allows democracies to navigate uncertain terrain with confidence. In conclusion, this Index underscores the importance of vigilance and commitment in safeguarding democracy. As we confront unprecedented challenges, the Norwegian model demonstrating that with dedication and foresight, the ideals of democracy can flourish.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀: 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 Understand how the socio-demographics, growth resilience, and evolving #FinancialLiteracy in the Philippines are shaping its diverse and resilient economic landscape. My latest research article about the #Philippines financial sector is out on MoreThanDigital.info: https://lnkd.in/e5S4kt84 #wealth #financialinclusion #FinancialEducation #SoutheastAsia #emergingmarkets #WealthManagement #WealthTech #FinancialWellbeing

🌟 Day 114 - Grant Number 100 - Grant Alert: 🌟 🌍 United Nations University - World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) Launches Research Proposal Call! 🔍 We are excited to announce the request for research proposals for our project on Inequality over the Life Course. This initiative seeks to deepen the understanding of inequality dynamics, focusing on intergenerational mobility and labor market inequalities in Global South countries. ### What We Are Looking For: - Original research addressing:  - Pre-market factors affecting intergenerational mobility and labor market inequality.  - Impact of geographic and social environments on inequality from childhood.  - Policies and interventions that can address these inequalities. ### Offer: - Honorarium: USD 6,000 - 20,000, depending on the project scope. - Publication Opportunities in high-quality journals. - Support: Webinar guidance and a participatory review process. ### Important Dates: - Webinar on Submission Guidance: 11 June 2024 - Proposal Submission Deadline: 30 June 2024 - Decision Notification: 1 September 2024 - Final Paper Submission: 31 August 2025 ### Eligibility: - Open to individuals, groups, and non-profit organizations. - Strong empirical contributions using innovative datasets, especially from Africa, are highly encouraged. - Applications from women and researchers from developing countries are particularly welcome. 📅 Join our webinar on 11 June 2024 to get detailed insights on how to craft a successful proposal. For more information on how to apply, eligibility criteria, and detailed project themes, visit [UNU-WIDER's official page](https://wider.unu.edu). Don't miss this chance to contribute to meaningful global change! ### Apply Now! Let’s tackle global inequalities together! https://lnkd.in/gvDdk_cK #ChanakyaAdvisors #ResearchFunding #EconomicDevelopment #GlobalSouth #UNUWIDER #InequalityResearch #CallForProposals #AcademicResearch #SocialImpact

“Imagine if we lumped all non-high-income countries together to assess whether they all needed to invest more in maternal and infant health or if they should reform their pension systems to cope with an aging population. We would be prioritizing the wrong issue in many countries.” The article linked below provides concrete examples of why expressions such as “developing countries,” “the development world,” or “the Global South," should be replaced in favor of more concrete, country-specific, terms. It was striking to me to see that #Italy’s share of children at the end-of-primary age below minimum reading proficiency (as of 2016 data) was higher than that of #Kazakhstan, #Vietnam, or #Russia. Unlike 60 years ago, when there was a rather stark distinction in the distribution of socio-economic indicators between “developed” and “developing” countries, we see much more overlap today. Thanks to the authors of this article for developing these amazing interactive charts. As country-specific socio-economic contexts evolve, so should communication in international settings. Source: https://lnkd.in/d4A55tNG #globaldevelopment #internationalcommunication #worldbank #policyanalysis #socioeconomicindicators #humanprogress

Last week Paul Egan and I published an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) working paper (https://lnkd.in/eJw57JSk) looking at long-term growth forecasts for the Irish economy. A key element shaping Irish economic performance over the medium-term is population movements. Figure 5 plots actual and likely trends (grey shade) in Irish and EU population forecasts over the next 60/70 years. While Irish population levels are set to grow in the short to medium term. Over time, they will follow the same trend as EU population levels. Also note the decline in the fraction of the population in the key 15-64 age category.

The Current Political Landscape in South Africa: An Analysis and Proposed Solution We are at a pivotal moment in political history, South Africa faces a transformative shift. The African National Congress (ANC) has seen its longstanding majority challenged, marking a new era of power dynamics. This analysis delves into the implications of these changes and offers a pathway forward. The election outcomes signal the nation's uncertainty about its future direction. The ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA), two major political parties with contrasting ideologies, are both grappling with challenges. The ANC, traditionally seen as a party with liberal ideologies, is struggling to address social and economic disparities. On the other hand, the DA, often seen as a party with conservative ideologies, is grappling with the complexities of a free-market economy. The ideological chasm between the ANC and DA mirrors the diverse aspirations of South African society. Yet, self-interest often eclipse the broader national welfare, leading to a lack of clear direction. The election results suggests that none of the parties were able to present a compelling vision or plan that resonated with a majority of the voters. A balanced, centrist approach to governance could harmonise the strengths of both major parties while mitigating their extremes. Embracing selflessness, political figures must prioritise national prosperity over partisan gains. This entails compromise, consensus-building, and a collaborative spirit to surmount national challenges. The notion is that South Africa's destined leadership has yet to emerge, with the journey to 2034 as a formative phase, embraces the complexity of steering a nation. It highlights the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in pursuit of effective governance. Envisioning South Africa as Africa's manufacturing nexus could significantly mitigate unemployment woes. Strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and skill enhancement are imperative to rejuvenate the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, governmental regulation of wages and labour standards is essential to foster equitable remuneration and work conditions, thereby narrowing the income disparity and bolstering social equity. This economic reorientation could act as a catalyst, aligning disparate political ideologies towards a shared objective. Echoing historical precedents, South Africa's investment in security, infrastructure, and resource optimisation could invigorate the economy, generate employment, and tackle pressing societal issues. The stewardship of South Africa's future rests with its leaders and citizenry. A novel governance paradigm, grounded in equilibrium, practical wisdom, and altruism, is imperative. By adopting these tenets, South Africa can navigate towards a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous funny.

Attending the Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford #OxCSAE2024 was an enriching experience, catching up with colleagues and friends like Oluwabunmi Adejumo and Queen Esther Oye, PhD. Presenting my research and receiving insightful feedback was truly invaluable (see attachment for the presentation). Our research (co-authored by Joseph Ajefu, Ph.D, FHEA) yielded a fascinating finding: IDP settlements contribute to improved health outcomes for children in the host community. For instance, we observed a significant 10 percentage point decrease in the likelihood of underweight, stunted, or wasted conditions among host community children, particularly those residing within a 10-km radius of the IDP settlements. The effect diminishes for cohort children residing within 25km, 50km, and so forth from the IDP settlements. You may be wondering—how can this be? Conventional wisdom suggests that IDP settlements could have adverse effects on the wellbeing of host community children due to various factors, including strains on health services caused by population shocks, among others. Now, let's delve into the mechanisms driving this result, as verified by our study. Firstly, the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) led to changes in food prices, likely driven by increased demand for food. As a response, women from host communities intensified their agricultural production, prioritizing it over other labour engagements to capitalize on the opportunity to expand household resources. Secondly, the heightened aid flow, particularly health-related aid such as increased vaccination campaigns in host communities, has also benefitted children from these locations due to the presence of IDP settlements. Our paper challenges conventional wisdom and underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in the relationship between the influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community outcomes. By uncovering the mechanisms driving these unexpected health improvements, our study also offers actionable knowledge that can inform both policy decisions and academic inquiries, ultimately aiming to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations particularly in LMICs. In the nearest future we will be updating this post with the peer-reviewed published version of the paper. Stay tuned.