Showing papers in "International Journal of Social Economics in 1995"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of household income, household size, ownership of assets, parents′ education, parents' socio-economic status, area literacy level and presence of school in the area on the schooling of an individual child in Pakistan.
Abstract: It has been argued that failure to enlist participation in education in developing countries cannot be attributed exclusively to insufficiency of the schools. To the extent that child schooling reflects parental capacity to invest in human capital formation, there is a need to reckon with the factors bearing on the parents′ decision regarding child schooling. As an illustrative example, examines the impact of household income, household size, ownership of assets, parents′ education, parents′ socio‐economic status, area literacy level and presence of school in the area on the schooling of an individual child in Pakistan.
36 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the assumptions and valuation concepts underlying economic theory and the ways in which mainline economic theory contributes to the loss of socio-economic diversity, drawing on ecologically relevant concepts.
Abstract: The loss of bio‐diversity has received increasing attention as one of the most serious environmental threats we face. Yet not only biodiversity is being lost at staggering rates, socio‐diversity is being lost as well. Sociodiversity is defined as the various social and economic arrangements by which people organize their societies, particularly the underlying assumptions, goals, values and social behaviours guiding these arrangements. Just as the loss of bio‐diversity has focused attention on the interface between human socio‐economic and ecological systems, so too can the interaction between these systems give us insights into the reasons for the loss of diversity in socio‐economic systems. Examines the assumptions and valuation concepts underlying economic theory and the ways in which mainline economic theory contributes to the loss of socio‐economic diversity. The analysis draws on ecologically relevant concepts and proposes that the base for economic theory and valuation be expanded to include five ca...
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study at a research and development department of Philips International (The Netherlands) illustrates how the decision to make production equipment in-house evokes further decisions which are in conflict with the actual corporate strategy.
Abstract: Top managers of multinational enterprises are continuously confronted with “make‐or‐buy” decisions. These choices have to be made after corporate strategy has already been determined and the measures to realize the corporate aims have been taken. Elucidates why the decision to make components and/or production equipment in‐house, instead of buying them from professional suppliers, may more often than not be subversive of multinational corporations′ (MNCs) core activities. Relies on a case study at a research and development department of Philips International (The Netherlands). Illustrates how the decision to make production equipment in‐house evokes further decisions which are in conflict with the actual corporate strategy. The decision of a producer of consumer electronics to develop production equipment in‐house, instead of buying it in the marketplace, imposes on top management the need to decide whether or not to add this equipment to its consumer product range. The problem is that an affirmative dec...
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Stigler-Peltzman theory of regulation is used to model regulatory behavior as an endogenous variable in a simultaneous system, which suggests that regulatory agencies are more likely to respond to the concerns of the firms that are being regulated.
Abstract: Re‐estimates the famous study by Stigler and Friedland (1962) that examines the impact of regulation on the price of electricity. Employs time‐series data in the analysis, in light of recent extensions of the Stigler‐Peltzman theory of regulation. By modelling regulatory behaviour as an endogenous variable in a simultaneous system the model suggests that regulatory agencies are more likely to respond to the concerns of the firms that are being regulated. The regulatory authorities use their political power to regulate when the price of electricity (and hence, producer profits) falls over time.
23 citations
TL;DR: The authors traces the evolution of the corporation in England from Greco-Roman times to the Joint Companies Act of 1862, concluding with the enactment of universally available limited liability incorporation, and suggests a supply of the corporate form that responded to the demands of the marketplace.
Abstract: Traces the evolution of the corporation in England, from Greco-Roman times to the Joint Companies Act of 1862. The evolution suggests a supply of the corporate form that responded to the demands of the marketplace. With the growing specialization of labour in the markets, the corporate form came to be more specialized itself, ending with the enactment of universally available limited liability incorporation.
22 citations
TL;DR: Shinjinrui as discussed by the authors are those Japanese who came of age during the 1970s and afterwards, and they have had little or no experience with the postwar traumas their parents encountered.
Abstract: The Shinjinrui are those Japanese who came of age during the 1970s and afterwards. They have had little or no experience with the postwar traumas their parents encountered. Quite the contrary, they have experienced only awareness of Japan as a rich country, success and the easy life. For this generation, hard work, devotion of oneself to the company and country, and the sacrifice of the present for the future are alien concepts. They have travelled abroad and seen other lifestyles, especially American, and they want to live the good life. This generation will be the Japanese leaders of the twenty‐first century. The changes they bring and the demographics of the Japanese society indicate a far different Japan for the twenty‐first century from that which exists today. Examines the Shinjinrui, who they are, why they are the way they are, the resulting social implications for Japan the Shinjinrui will cause, and their effect on the country′s future international competitiveness.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the exogenous and endogenous types of relationships between ethics and economics are explained in neoclassical and non-neoclassical frameworks, and the principle of ethical endeogeneity is treated in an institution-economy interface by addressing the issue of sustainability.
Abstract: The exogenous and endogenous types of relationships between ethics and economics are explained in neoclassical and non‐neoclassical frameworks. Market consequentialism, deontological preferences and polity‐market (ecology) interactions are brought out to configure the theoretical perspectives of the endogenous theory underlying the interface between ethics and economics. The principle of ethical endeogeneity is treated in an institution‐economy interface by addressing the issue of sustainability. In this respect a simple mathematical formulation is done to show how ethics can be endogenized in a scientific framework for theory, policy development and institutionalism. Critically examines Canada′s Green Plan in light of the exogenous and endogenous ethical relationships. Develops the critique and proposes ethico‐economic policy‐theoretic alternatives.
16 citations
TL;DR: The authors argue that the need to maintain a high profile in democratic societies experiencing rapid growth in evangelical Protestantism has led Church officials to return to an elite-based, conservative political strategy, and suggest that lacking the resources to compete adequately with the rapid expansion of evangelical Protestants, bishops have turned to lobbying the political and economic elite to help them maintain their social presence and prevent further parishioner defections from the faith.
Abstract: From the vantage point of the 1970s and early 1980s, the Latin American Catholic Church appeared to be on a trajectory of increasing progressivism, typically manifesting itself as a “preferential option for the poor”. Recently, however, the Catholic hierarchy has experienced a “conservative retrenchment”. Why has this change occurred? Argues that the need to maintain a high profile in democratic societies experiencing rapid growth in evangelical Protestantism has led Church officials to return to an elite‐based, conservative political strategy. Suggests that lacking the resources to compete adequately with the rapid expansion of evangelical Protestantism, bishops have turned to lobbying the political and economic elite to help them maintain their social presence and prevent further parishioner defections from the faith. Ironically, at that time when the Church most needs state assistance to compete effectively, politicians are least likely to lend support.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that privatization needs to be accompanied by effective deregulation with new forms of regulation on the environment and consumer protection and a comprehensive social welfare programme, highlighting the danger that privatization is being used as another way of allocating the cost of structural adjustment and economic reform to those least able to resist.
Abstract: Comments that distributional equity has been given only notional support in Brazil and, in practice, the issue has had little influence on the privatization implementation process. Suggests that privatization needs to be accompanied by effective deregulation with new forms of regulation on the environment and consumer protection and a comprehensive social welfare programme. Reveals that progress on these has been slow and incomplete and the goal of wider share ownership has had very limited success. Highlights the danger that privatization is being used as another way of allocating the cost of structural adjustment and economic reform to those least able to resist.
13 citations
TL;DR: According to the former Soviet Union and other communist countries, the system of any country according to Marxist-Leninist ideology can be classed as state monopolistic feudalism as discussed by the authors, which resulted in inflation, a marked increase in the difference between rich and poor and the abolition of equal opportunities.
Abstract: According to communist literature socialism has been established in the former Soviet Union and other communist countries. Demonstrates that the system of any of these countries according to Marxist‐Leninist ideology can be classed as state monopolistic feudalism. Among Soviet Communist values egalitarianism holds a very special position, although it is a more general phenomenon and can also be found in a capitalist system. Reveals in post‐communist economic reforms, and particularly in the process of privatization, the idea of egalitarianism is very popular. According to this view the government has to give everyone equal opportunities. Such an approach resulted in inflation, a marked increase in the difference between rich and poor, and the abolition of equal opportunities.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the philosophical issues associated with an evolutionary conception of economics have been raised, and the adoption of an organic framework and the notion of types as the means of providing a base for the pluralist outlook of evolutionary economics has been discussed.
Abstract: In the light of a resurgence of “evolutionary” research, sets out to raise some of the philosophical issues associated with an evolutionary conception of economics. Considers Tony Lawson′s work on transcendental realism as a point of departure in the building of an argument which promotes the adoption of a pluralist and holistic conception of economics. Suggests that, while Lawson′s transcendental realism has largely been developed independently of evolutionary economics, with the modifications outlined it may provide a suitable starting point for the formulation of philosophical foundations of evolutionary economics. Augments Lawson′s argument by the suggested adoption of an organic framework and the notion of types as the means of providing a base for the pluralist outlook of evolutionary economics.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined empirically the proposition that a large public enterprise sector for an economy acts as an obstacle to a healthy rate of economic growth and found that the evidence fails to support the hypothesis of a negative relationship between PE and economic growth.
Abstract: Examines empirically the proposition that a large public enterprise sector for an economy acts as an obstacle to a healthy rate of economic growth. The empirical analysis concentrates on the experience of the OECD countries for the years 1965‐85. Single and multiple equation‐models of economic growth are specified with the size of the public enterprise (PE) sector included as an explanatory variable. In general, the evidence fails to support the hypothesis of a negative relationship between PE and economic growth.
TL;DR: The authors discusses the theories of Thorstein Veblen and C. Wright Mills on status emulation and craftsmanship and applies these theories to the business situataion, especially public administration.
Abstract: Discusses the theories of Thorstein Veblen and C. Wright Mills on status emulation and craftsmanship. Applies these theories to the business situataion, especially public administration. Concludes that, if contamination by emulatory values and behaviours can be limited, the ideal of authentic public administration emphasizing organizational humanism and craftsmanship is still possible.
TL;DR: The author argues that both schools of thought are right to adopt an evolutionary outlook, but that they are too restrictive in their conception of evolution.
Abstract: Economists are divided about population growth: the pessimism of neo‐Malthusians contrasts strongly with the optimism of cornucopians Despite their differences, however, both schools of thought reject economic orthodoxy and prefer evolutionary forms of theory Their interpretations of evolution are different: the neo‐Malthusians appeal to the entropy law, whereas the cornucopians emphasize human creativity expressed through markets Argues that both schools are right to adopt an evolutionary outlook, but that they are too restrictive in their conception of evolution A more complete evolutionary view, which allows properly for social institutions, could give a more balanced account of population growth
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a moderately expansionary stabilization followed by gradual liberalization and marketization, followed by a more ambitious economic restructuring and privatization in the post-communist transition.
Abstract: Examines the sequencing of economic reforms in the post‐communist transition, focusing on Russia. Proposes a moderately expansionary stabilization, succeeded by gradual liberalization and marketization, followed by a more ambitious economic restructuring and privatization.
TL;DR: The authors examined how the different concepts of rationality have been used by economists who have followed modern philosophers' understanding of human reason and offered a philosophical discussion as a means to understand rationality and its incumbent problems of interpretation.
Abstract: Examines how the different concepts of rationality have been used (and confused) by economists who have followed modern philosophers′ understanding of human reason Offers a philosophical discussion as a means to understanding rationality and its incumbent problems of interpretation
TL;DR: In this article, the determinants of illegal drug arrests based on the 1991 data for 48 states in the USA were examined and a positive relation with welfare recipients, high school dropout rates, field police force and other types of crime, and a negative relation with the unemployment rate.
Abstract: Examines the determinants of illegal drug arrests based on the 1991 data for 48 states in the USA. Major findings indicate that illegal drug arrests have a positive relation with welfare (AFDC) recipients, high school dropout rates, field police force and other types of crime, and a negative relation with the unemployment rate. Policy implications of this study are that to reduce illegal drug crime, the government and parents need to emphasize family values and work ethics, provide quality education and proper counselling, increase field police size or make police more productive, and reduce other types of crime.
TL;DR: In this article, Hong Kong is used as a role model for the future development of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and the three small Baltic republics will provide a gateway into Russia and serve as bell-wethers for larger scale transformation across the former Soviet Union.
Abstract: As western businesses and governments participate in the overhaul of the former Soviet Union, the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can play a potentially important role in bridging economic and cultural differences. An analogy is drawn to Hong Kong, which has achieved remarkable success by leveraging a favourable location, good infrastructure and industrious human resources to forge a mutually beneficial relationship with its huge neighbour (and future sovereign), the People′s Republic of China. The Asian territory is proposed as a role model for the future development of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. As market‐oriented democracies, the three small Baltic republics will provide a gateway into Russia and serve as bell‐wethers for larger scale transformation across the former Soviet Union.
TL;DR: The authors examines the process of systemic disintegration in the USSR brought about by perestroika, demokratizatsiya and glasnost, and concludes that liberalization and democratization led both to the break-up of the Communist system and that of the imperial state.
Abstract: Examines the process of systemic disintegration in the USSR brought about by perestroika, demokratizatsiya and glasnost. Places Soviet economic crises in a broader political and nationalities context. Concludes that liberalization and democratization led both to the break‐up of the Communist system and that of the imperial state.
TL;DR: The authors argue that social analysis from a critical theory perspective is both able to capture effectively the ambivalence which Catholic social thought feels towards capitalism, and to put into a broader theoretical context many of the critiques levelled against the Church′s teachings.
Abstract: Catholic social thought presents itself as a reflection by the Church on socio‐economic issues. The Church in its teachings has always had, and continues to have, an ambivalent attitude towards the capitalist economic system. This ambivalence has not always expressed itself in the most effective and appropriate ways. Attempts to argue that social analysis from a critical theory perspective is both able to capture effectively the ambivalence which Catholic social thought feels towards capitalism, and to put into a broader theoretical context many of the critiques levelled against the Church′s teachings. This in turn allows for a more cogent presentation of the Church′s normative project.
TL;DR: In this article, a test for differential performance applied to data for universal and non-universal banks revealed that the performance of universal banks was not superior to that of the nonuniversal banks.
Abstract: Results of a test for differential performance applied to data for universal and non‐universal banks revealed that the performance of universal banks was not superior to that of the non‐universal banks. The study, therefore, does not support the performance theory as a basis for the global trend towards universal banking. Rather, there is implied support for the theory that loss of comparative advantage by commercial banks in the credit market and an increasingly competitive global market for financial services are both pushing major countries to adopt the universal model. Specific attention was given to the NAFTA countries bordering the USA. A test for convergence revealed that relatively new universal banks in those countries were converging towards the performance levels of other established universal systems; the project impact on the non‐universal US banking system in the 1990s is of serious concern.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the fear of inflation which has frustrated European employment policies since the early 1970s, and suggest that the services required for improving human capital are a prerequisite for economic progress, it follows that the state has to guarantee at least minimum conditions for ready access to services.
Abstract: Describes the fear of inflation which has frustrated European employment policies since the early 1970s. States that the concurrence of much unemployment with inflation did not elicit new ideas and that governments postulated that excessive spending, social security payments in particular, is the main cause of both: this legitimized severe restrictive monetary and fiscal policies, but expected results failed to appear. Finds that inflation did indeed abate but the increase in unemployment did not. Suggests that, because the services required for improving human capital are a prerequisite for economic progress, it follows that the state has to guarantee at least minimum conditions for ready access to services. For a calculating government, this is difficult to implement. That is why the dominating calculating principle in politics (a sort of monetarist bookkeeping attitude) undermines the economic performance of a country and threatens democracy. Yet the monetarist economic framework persists. Moreover, in...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine economies which are homogeneous with respect to political, cultural and historical character, which also contain subsectors characterized by socioeconomic diversity, and then use Missouri as a representative example of such an economy.
Abstract: In order to understand the impact of economy‐wide socio‐economic forces on fertility, examines economies which are homogeneous with respect to political, cultural and historical character, which also contain subsectors characterized by socioeconomic diversity. First looks at previous research on fertility and then uses Missouri as a representative example of such an economy.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the influence of developments in production technology and process innovation on the selection of the location of production has markedly increased and, as a consequence, the role of wage levels has diminished, in spite of the fact that many of the top managers of European enterprises stubbornly continue to maintain that the opposite is true.
Abstract: Argues that the influence of developments in production technology and process innovation on the selection of the location of production has markedly increased and, as a consequence of this, the role of wage levels has diminished, in spite of the fact that many of the top managers of European enterprises stubbornly continue to maintain that the opposite is true On the one hand challenges the statement that wage levels in The Netherlands are too high compared with other European countries and on the other hand (and more important) argues that the role of wage levels has diminished in the discussion of how to increase European employment To illustrate the shift in industrial strategy, the actual (re)location behaviour of a large Dutch electronics concern, namely Philips Electronics, can be given By examining this corporation′s behaviour side‐by‐side with the developments in production technology, demonstrates that, while wage costs played a significant role in determining the location policy in large‐sca
TL;DR: In this article, a central phenomenon of industrialized societies, i.e. technological change, is discussed and discussed from three different perspectives: economic, political and cultural perspectives, and structural tensions across time and context can both enable and constrain processes of technological change.
Abstract: Focuses on a central phenomenon of industrialized societies, i.e. technological change. Synthesizes mechanisms which have an effect on processes of technological change into three interrelated perspectives: economic, political and cultural. Applies this interdisciplinary approach in order to capture the manifold natures and the complexity of mechanisms involved. Claims that structural tensions across time and context can both enable and constrain processes of technological change.
TL;DR: The authors compare the methodologies and policy implications of the respective theories of John Maynard Keynes and Alvin Hansen and conclude that these theories are complementary, rather than contradictory, and that social economists should utilize both of these theories under appropriate circumstances.
Abstract: Contrasts the methodologies and policy implications of the respective theories of John Maynard Keynes and Alvin Hansen. Keynes used a rationalistic epistemology and deductive logic to deduce a pure theory of employment which implied that monetary policy would be an appropriate remedy for unemployment. Hansen used an empirical epistemology and inductive logic to formulate an applied theory of employment which explained the causes of the Great Depression in the USA. Hansen′s theory of secular stagnation implied that a compensatory fiscal policy would be an effective remedy for unemployment. The respective theories of Keynes and Hansen are complementary, rather than contradictory; therefore, social economists should utilize both of these theories under appropriate circumstances.
TL;DR: In this article, a comparative analysis of the moral underpinnings of the neo-classical tradition is provided, and the moral gauge employed for this purpose is that of the overtly ethical socio-economic doctrine of the Catholic Church, as delineated in the major papal encyclicals produced over the course of the last 100 years.
Abstract: Aims to provide a comparative analytical critique of the moral underpinnings of the neo‐classical tradition. The “moral gauge” employed for this purpose is that of the overtly ethical socio‐economic doctrine of the Catholic Church, as delineated in the major papal encyclicals produced over the course of the last 100 years. Outlines the ethical framework supported by this doctrine, and then compares and contrasts it with the neoclassical approach under a number of theoretical and policy headings. Argues that the neoclassical presumption of an interpersonal moral vacuum has constituted a major departure from its intellectual inheritance, and has weakened its authority as a basis for policy formulation.
TL;DR: In this article, the promises and dilemmas of capitalist transition and economic transformation in the context of a post-communist society such as Russia are examined. And the strategies for economic reform, the direction of change and the pace and magnitude of reforms are discussed.
Abstract: Examines critically the promises and dilemmas of capitalist transition and economic transformation in the context of a post‐communist society such as Russia. Discusses the strategies for economic reform, the direction of change and the pace and magnitude of reforms.
TL;DR: In this article, a critical review of the book Muslims in Europe is presented, which brings out the localized analysis of Islam and Muslims in contemporary Europe which is given in much of the occidentalist literature.
Abstract: Undertakes a critical review of the book, Muslims in Europe , to bring out the localized analysis of Islam and Muslims in contemporary Europe which is given in much of the occidentalist literature. Shows that such a localized view does not represent the true character of the global Islamic revivalism in the post‐Cold War period, in which the phenomenon of Muslims in Europe is to be examined. Examines the alternative view of this global approach to the study of Muslims in Europe. In this context the alternative assumes the presentation of an Islamic sub‐nation model and its grass‐roots world view. Shows that the model is a globally interactive system, based on a knowledge‐centred universality. In the light of this, examines Islamic future in Europe and its relationship with dominant European governments.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the problems identified by Wolf can be identified not as an inevitable consequence of government intervention but as a manifestation of leadership failure, and that effective leadership can be assigned a role in the execution of public policy which counters the pursuit of private interest in the public domain.
Abstract: Charles Wolf′s theory of government failure ignores the possibility that government employees may commit themselves to pursue excellence in public service as an expression of their hope in the quests of their agencies. Communitarian thought explains the function of hope in human motivation and intimates how leaders may influence the hopes of their followers and why followers submit to this leadership. Effective leadership can be assigned a role in the execution of public policy which counters the pursuit of private interest in the public domain so that the problems identified by Wolf can be identified not as an inevitable consequence of government intervention but as a manifestation of “leadership failure”.