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Connections and the Allocation of Public Benefits

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  • Carol Newman
  • Mengyang Zhang

Abstract

We explore the relationship between connections and public transfers in decentralized poverty-targeting programmes. Using panel data from Vietnam we find evidence that households with connections to local government are more likely to be classified as poor, the main determinant of whether households receive public benefits/supports. Social connections play a role by allowing politically connected households to receive supports without being reprimanded by their local community.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Newman & Mengyang Zhang, 2015. "Connections and the Allocation of Public Benefits," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2015-031, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2015-031
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2015-031.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. William Ascher, 2023. "Coping with the ambiguities of poverty-alleviation programs and policies: a policy sciences approach," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 56(2), pages 325-354, June.

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