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Conditional cash transfers: A critical review

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  • Sheliza Ladhani
  • Kathleen C. Sitter

Abstract

Motivation In areas of the world where poverty and inequality are deep and pervasive and social protection systems comparatively fragile, cash transfers are becoming commonplace and often promoted by international institutions and aid agencies as a viable instrument for social protection. Particularly, conditional cash transfers (CCTs) are being looked to as a means of reducing poverty while also investing in human capital. Purpose To capture some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs. Methods A rapid review process was used. The initial search was conducted using a number of online peer‐reviewed databases. The initial search process yielded 993 sources, results were then limited to full‐text, English language, and to sources published between 2008 and 2017. Sources were then screened. Finally, 44 articles were chosen for in‐depth review. Findings This review captures some of the main critiques of CCTs from conception to evaluation, while identifying both gaps and opportunities for research and consideration for the future of CCTs. Policy implication We discuss responsibilities and implications for social work professionals who may be involved in the design, implementation or evaluation of CCT programmes domestically or internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheliza Ladhani & Kathleen C. Sitter, 2020. "Conditional cash transfers: A critical review," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 38(1), pages 28-41, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:38:y:2020:i:1:p:28-41
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12416
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christiana U. Ekong & Uduak Isaac Effiong & Uduak M. Ekong, PhD, 2021. "Social Policies and Poverty Reduction in Africa: Nigeria in focus," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(09), pages 767-774, September.
    2. Ruth Patrick & Aaron Reeves & Kitty Stewart, 2023. "The sins of the parents: Conceptualising adult-oriented reforms to family policy," CASE Papers /228, Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, LSE.
    3. Gautam Bhan, 2024. "Operationalising social protection: Reflections from urban India," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 61(5), pages 765-781, April.
    4. Stewart, Kitty & Patrick, Ruth & Reeves, Aaron, 2023. "The sins of the parents: conceptualising adult-oriented reforms to family policy," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121533, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. Muhammad Qahraman Kakar, 2021. "Ethnic Disparities, Women Education and Empowerment in South Asia," Erudite Ph.D Dissertations, Erudite, number ph21-01 edited by Manon Domingues Dos Santos.
    6. Lenel, Friederike & Priebe, Jan & Satriawan, Elan & Syamsulhakim, Ekki, 2022. "Can mHealth campaigns improve CCT outcomes? Experimental evidence from sms-nudges in Indonesia," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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