Development Economics (Fourth Edition)

Author: (USA) Gillis
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-09-01
Features: Since its first publication in 1983, this book has been revised four times. Its framework includes theoretical elaborations, policy research, case studies, and statistical data, covering the latest findings in economic research. It is one of the most highly regarded textbooks on development economics in higher education institutions in the United States and many other countries worldwide, as well as a frequently referenced book for policymakers in developing countries. The Development Economics has five key features: (1) It extensively employs classical and neoclassical theoretical tools, which are highly meaningful for understanding development; (2) It extensively cites empirical research conducted by economists and economic historians over the past decades, which reveals and explains the structure of development or at least narrows the scope of our remaining uncertainties; (3) It explicitly and candidly discusses the political and institutional frameworks required for economic development; (4) It presents real-world case studies from many countries, using the collective experience of the authors (even to the point where it is hard to believe, the authors of this book have accumulated over 100 years of combined research experience in the field of development) to illustrate key points; (5) It acknowledges the diversity of development experiences reflected in these country case studies and argues that the lessons from theory and history can only be applied within specific institutional contexts and country structures. The structure of this book is similar to previous editions. Part 1 outlines the concepts and measures of development, applies various theories to explain it, and focuses on a series of data to analyze and define economic development. Part 2 examines several approaches to development management, particularly planning and the corresponding market; it also discusses under what conditions and to what extent development can be sustainable, and how people can benefit from fostering development. Part 3 discusses the role of human resources in development and the transformations in living standards brought about by development. Part 4 introduces the other major material inputs for development—capital, covering topics such as domestic savings and investment, fiscal policy, financial policy...