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Poverty and economic policy: what happens when researchers disagree?

Author

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  • Andrew Sumner

    (Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK)

  • Meera Tiwari

    (School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies, University of East London, London, UK)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with disagreements between researchers over economic policy and poverty and the implications for policy makers. It sets out to show that on three selected policy questions the 'conventional wisdom' is in fact highly contested. It then discusses why this might be and what the implications are for policy makers. The three policy questions chosen are: Is growth good for the poor? Is public expenditure good for the poor? And is globalization good for the poor? It is argued that policy makers need some criteria to judge the 'appropriateness' of competing 'evidence' in a particular context. Some such criteria are tentatively proposed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Sumner & Meera Tiwari, 2005. "Poverty and economic policy: what happens when researchers disagree?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 17(6), pages 791-801.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:17:y:2005:i:6:p:791-801
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1241
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    2. Nkedianye, David & Kaelo, Dickson & Reid, Robin & Neselle, Moses & Onetu, Leonard & Makui, Ogeli & Said, Mohammed & Kiruswa, Steve & Kristjanson, Patti & Kamuaro, Ololtisatti & Kifugo, Shem & Dickson,, 2009. "Linking Knowledge with Action Using Community Facilitators to Span Boundaries: Lessons from East Africa," Scholarly Articles 32062580, Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

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