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Rethinking Spatial Inequality in Development: The Primacy of Power Relations

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  • Abdul‐Gafaru Abdulai

Abstract

Why do spatial inequalities emerge and persist? After showing that existing explanations of spatial inequality are at best partial, this article argues that persistent spatial development disparities are the product of the terms on which underdeveloped regions are incorporated into ruling coalitions. In most cases, political elites from lagging regions are incorporated on marginal terms, undermining their capacity to direct public resources to their constituents. Consequently, governments direct more resources to relatively better‐off and politically dominant regions, reinforcing spatial inequalities. Our analyses highlight the importance of going beyond a dichotomous assessment of whether disadvantaged regions are included or excluded from ruling coalitions to an examination of the terms of their inclusion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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  • Abdul‐Gafaru Abdulai, 2017. "Rethinking Spatial Inequality in Development: The Primacy of Power Relations," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(3), pages 386-403, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:29:y:2017:i:3:p:386-403
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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias Franz, 2018. "Power balances, transnational elites, and local economic governance: The political economy of development in Medellín," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 33(1), pages 85-109, February.
    2. Dieu Ne Dort Talla Fokam & Benjamin Fomba Kamga, 2023. "Ethnic diversity and poverty: the role of institutional quality," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 70(1), pages 27-61, March.
    3. Palash Kamruzzaman & Emmanuel Kumi, 2023. "Why national development experts are not included in development policy‐making and practice: The case of Ghana," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(2), March.

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