Economic and Social Research Institute

About: Economic and Social Research Institute is a nonprofit organization based out in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & European union. The organization has 425 authors who have published 1530 publications receiving 41567 citations.

Irish History as a Testing Ground for Sociological Theory: Hechter's Internal Colonialism and Hutchinson's Cultural Nationalism:

Abstract: In the field of historical sociology Ireland has served as a case study testing ground for Hechter's internal colonialism and for Hutchinson's cultural nationalism. This paper reviews the ways in which these theories were tested on the Irish case. The coherence of internal colonialism is called into question by fundamental discrepancies between the original and the revisited versions of the model. In the testing of cultural nationalism the procedures followed suffer from a circularity that sees Irish historical evidence sifted to highlight what the theory postulates before the extent to which the theory fits the evidence is comparatively assessed. The manner in which these theories were tested lends support to Goldthorpe's criticisms of the methodology of ‘grand historical sociology’.

Perceived benefits and barriers to the use of high-speed broadband in Ireland's second-level schools

Abstract: As part of Ireland's National Digital Strategy, high-speed broadband is being rolled out to all second-level schools to support greater use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education. This programme signals a move from slow and unreliable broadband connections for many schools to a guaranteed high-speed connection with technical support. Theoretically, this should allow for behaviours and pedagogies to adapt, incorporating ICT into education. Research shows that integrating ICT into teaching and learning is a gradual process for most teachers and is influenced by a complex mix of socio-technical factors. Our data set consists of survey data from teachers and principals from a sample of second-level schools. The survey collected factual and attitudinal variables including attitudes towards ICT integration, current availability of infrastructure and barriers to ICT use, before schools received high-speed broadband connectivity. We examine the factors influencing teachers’ attitudes to IC...

Variation in induction of labour rates across Irish hospitals; a cross-sectional study.

Abstract: Background : In developed countries, rates of induction of labour (IOL) have increased and vary between hospitals We aimed to identify whether national variations could be explained by sociodemographic, clinical and organisational differences Methods : Two national databases in Ireland that routinely collect clinical and administrative data, the National Perinatal Reporting System and the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry Scheme, were used to analyse data for all women with singleton births weighing ≥500 g in 2009 We used logistic multilevel models to examine variation between hospitals, and to determine how much variation was due to individual level sociodemographic, clinical and organisational variables Analyses were stratified for nulliparas, multiparas without prior caesarean section (CS) and multiparas with prior CS Results : Of 69 304 eligible births, the rate of IOL nationally was 250% (range 145–332%)In nulliparas, the mean rate was 309% (range 186–457%) The rate was 248% (135–333%) and 38% (00–102%) for multiparas without and with prior CS, respectively In nulliparas and multiparas without prior CS IOL was predicted by maternal birth in Ireland, increasing birthweight, antepartum complications, giving birth on a weekday and the model of obstetric care Even after adjusting for known sociodemographic and clinical variables, variation between hospitals remained Conclusion : We found that clinical, sociodemographic and organisational factors all contributed to variation However, unexplained variation persisted possibly due to organisational factors such as hospital-specific policies on IOL The results indicate that the prevalence of antenatal complications, changing immigration patterns and policies on IOL after previous CS are factors likely to influence future IOL rates

Macroeconomic Differentials and Adjustment in the Euro Area

Abstract: There has recently been increased research and policy interest in the divergent macroeconomic performance in the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Understanding the underlying factors of macroeconomic differentials, the source and transmission of shocks and the adjustment process in the euro area is important to appropriate economic policy in the EMU. In a monetary union, the single monetary policy can only address common shocks. In the absence of nominal interest and exchange rates as policy instruments, to adjust to asymmetric shocks ? country specific shocks or idiosyncratic effects of common shocks, member countries have to resort to remaining tools of economic policy. In theory, the adjustment to asymmetric shocks and return to equilibrium can take place through four channels: a) market ? driven price and output adjustment; b) policy induced fiscal adjustment; c) risk-sharing against country-specific shocks through fiscal transfers and financial integration; d) labour mobility. Temporary inflation and output growth differentials are likely in a common currency area since prices and output adjustment is required to absorb shocks. In the euro area, output growth and inflation differentials are also related to the ongoing catch - up process in some of the member countries. Persistent inflation differentials can have negative effects on incomes and investment and result in divergent competitiveness and monetary conditions in the participating countries. Furthermore, inappropriate use of national fiscal policy and real exchange rate adjustment can lead to poor macroeconomic performance. The objective of this paper is to analyse macroeconomic differentials and the adjustment in the euro area so far with the aim to draw lessons and policy implications for the better functioning of the EMU and euro areaenlargement. The questions we address are the following: What do we know about macroeconomic differentials in the euro area? Are they temporary or persistent? What factors underlie them? What is the likelihood of asymmetric shocks in the euro area and what are their main transmission channels? What policy issues related to the macroeconomic adjustment in the EMU are most important at this stage? The remainder of this study is organised as follows. In Section 2 we analyse the size, evolution, persistence and underlying factors of output growth and inflation differentials. Section 3 discusses the likelihood of asymmetric shocks and their transmission across the euro area countries. In particular, we analyse trade linkages, including intra- and extra-euro area trade, financial integration and business cycle synchronisation. In Section 4 we discuss a number of policy issues related to the macroeconomic adjustment in EMU which have gained increased interest recently. We start with the role and effects of real interest rate and competitiveness differentials as adjustment channels. We discuss next policy issues related to fiscal adjustment and the impact of fiscal shocks in the euro area countries. We then discuss labour mobility as an adjustment mechanism. Finally, Section 5 summarises the main findings and draws policy implications for the EMU and the euro area enlargement.

Redistributing environmental tax revenue to reduce poverty in South Africa : the cases of energy and water

Abstract: South Africa, as an upper middle-income, resource-intensive developing country with an open economy, has to find innovative ways to combat poverty, promote economic growth and reduce the intensity of resource use, simultaneously. One option is to explore the plausibility of achieving a double dividend by levying a tax on water and energy and recycling the revenue back to the economy by allowing for a reduction in other forms of taxation. According to the double dividend theory it is possible, under some conditions, to achieve both environmental and economic objectives. We investigated such a possibility in the South African economy using an integrated economy/environment CGE model and found that it is indeed possible to achieve such double dividend benefits. Given the prevailing economic and environmental contexts, government should actively search for ways to achieve such dividends.