International Journal of Social Economics

UNDP on good governance : Table of Contents

Khandakar Qudrat-I Elahi — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – Since the 1990s, most bilateral and supranational donor agencies have been pursuing “good governance” as their priority development policy. Yet, in their own evaluation, the speed of progress of this gargantuan governance project has remained unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to examine the causes of this slow progress by scrutinizing its conceptual foundation. Design/methodology/approach – The analytical approach of this paper is purely speculative, which is occasionally supported by real world data and socio-political evidences. Since the paper uses Governance for Sustainable Human Development – A UNDP Policy Document as the ruling reference material, the paper has been so titled. Findings – First, defining governance as a process misrepresents its problematic nature, which is primarily political and therefore diverts world attention from its root-causes. Second, governance literature treats the state and government as synonymous and by that confuses their political nature. Finally, the paper assigns an all-impressing role to civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting good governance in the developing world. However, experience shows that they are deeply involved in the creation and continuation of poor governance in the developing country. Practical implications – Humankind now lives in a global village divided into territorially demarcated political units. Accordingly, the peace and prosperity of the global village critically depend upon how democratically each of member state is governed. Good governance in turn hinges on politically trained intelligent and ethical individuals running public administration. The analytical opinions of the paper underline this notion. Originality/value – The paper shows that the ongoing development discourse on good governance revolves around a faulty conceptual foundation. By reviewing the major ideas of the governance paradigm, it clarifies the conceptual connections between political theories and democratic governance.

The French context of microfinance: A socioeconomic approach of short financial relationships through modern “solidarity-based” financial structures and actors : Table of Contents

Pascal Glémain — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The first French context of microfinance dates from the 1980's. As a matter of fact, the “grameen bank” model was imported at this time to France by M. Nowak, through her Association for an individual right to undertake: “Association pour le Droit à l'Initiative Economique” (ADIE). But today the domestic landscape of solidarity-based finance counts plenty of “new” actors, such as: CIGALES, la NEF among others, not to forget intermediated social finance firms: Cooperative banks and public banks with social objectives like the Crédits Municipaux. The purpose of this paper is to show how solidarity-based finance actors try to supply banking products and services to those who are excluded from access to the banking system and to test the hypothesis of an alternative financial system that is “socially responsible” in articulation with public and private sectors. Design/methodology/approach – A typology of social banking actors is proposed. The nature of responsibility of each actor of this other kind of finance is described. Findings – Social and solidarity-based economy needs to be recognized by contemporary economics. Solidarity-based finance shows us that another sustainable development model is possible. Originality/value – This paper provides incentive to other social economists to continue this work in cooperation.

Understanding social inclusion, social cohesion, and social capital : Table of Contents

Robert Oxoby — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to delineate the concepts of social inclusion, social cohesion, and social capital. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews the existing literature and uses the ideas of Amartya Sen to develop a research and policy approach to these concepts. Findings – Specifically, the paper uses Sen's concepts of commodities and capabilities to develop a framework for understanding the related concepts of social capital, social cohesion, and inclusion. Research limitations/implications – While the approach is largely theoretical, the paper bases the analysis on existing empirical research on the social motivations of behavior and the importance on social inclusion in institutional design. Practical implications – Practically, it is hoped that the framework provides a platform for empirical research on social inclusion and cohesion, two concepts that have largely been ignored in the research on social capital. Originality/value – As such, this paper can serve as a guide to empirical researchers and policy makers interested in issues of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.

The moneyless free time : Table of Contents

Ioannis A. Kaskarelis — Mon Oct 05 11:22:02 BST 2009

Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that nowadays individuals feel helpless to live and to determine how to spend their free time without the existence of money. Design/methodology/approach – The predominant meaning of free time in the days depends upon the vaccination of society with dictated forged needs. The main target is the maintenance of high levels of mass consumption (using even lending if income becomes insufficient), in order high levels of mass production can be preserved. Findings – This type of free time, that the society serves, conceals the low level of the civilization. In real terms, free time means will for education-learning, creation, and sociability. Practical implications – If there are no money, there will be no lack of purchasing power for consumption in their free time, and hence forged needs are collapsing in such conditions. However, in order to confront such situations, people should be educated in the creative use of their free time. Originality/value – The blame, that people cannot even imagine their lives without the use of money, goes to the formal and obligatory educational system that creates brainless individuals.