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The political economy of primary education reform in Cambodia

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Kelsall
  • Sothy Khieng
  • Chuong Chantha
  • Tieng Tek Muy

Abstract

This paper examines the quality of primary education provision in Cambodia using a ‘political settlements’ framework developed at the University of Manchester. The framework characterises Cambodia as a ‘hybrid’ settlement with a weak dominant party and predatory administration, albeit with some islands of administrative effectiveness. Such states can achieve developmental progress in circumscribed areas with multi-stakeholder support, but more wide-ranging, top-down reforms willnormally disappoint. We use the framework retrospectively to explain the balance between quantity and quality in Cambodia’s education provision, and also prospectively to assess the prospects for reform. We conclude that, although new leadership in the education ministry promises to bring faster, deeper reform than ever before, powerful forces for inertia still exist. These forces could potentially be alleviated with enhanced international support, but development partners’ current ways of working leave much to be desired. The paper concludes by outlining a number of policy options.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Kelsall & Sothy Khieng & Chuong Chantha & Tieng Tek Muy, 2016. "The political economy of primary education reform in Cambodia," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-058-16, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    • Handle: RePEc:bwp:bwppap:esid-058-16
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brian Levy & Michael Walton, 2013. "Institutions, incentives and service provision: Bringing politics back in," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-018-13, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    2. Levy, Brian, 2014. "Working with the Grain: Integrating Governance and Growth in Development Strategies," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199363810.
    3. Tim Kelsall & Seiha Heng, 2014. "The political economy of inclusive healthcare in Cambodia Guarantee Scheme in India," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-043-14, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    4. Luis Benveniste & Jeffery Marshall & M. Caridad Araujo, 2008. "Teaching in Cambodia," World Bank Publications - Reports 8073, The World Bank Group.
    5. North,Douglass C. & Wallis,John Joseph & Weingast,Barry R., 2013. "Violence and Social Orders," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107646995.
    6. Tim Kelsall & Seiha Heng, 2014. "The political settlement and economic growth in Cambodia," Global Development Institute Working Paper Series esid-037-14, GDI, The University of Manchester.
    7. Prateek Tandon & Tsuyoshi Fukao, 2015. "Educating the Next Generation : Improving Teacher Quality in Cambodia," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 21002.
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