2,670 research outputs found

    The Review of Economic Performance and Social Progress 2001: The Longest Decade: Canada in the 1990s

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    In this chapter, Frank Graves examines the relationship between what he describes as the "official economy," as portrayed by conventional measures of economic performance, and public perceptions of the state of the economy. He also considers the public's understanding of the relationship between economic and social well-being, and the linkages between the public's perception of economic performance and their attitudes toward the redistributive impact of the State and its broader social role. The analysis in the chapter is based on data from quantitative survey and evidence from qualitative focus group conducted over the past decade.Well-being, Wellbeing, Well Being, Social Progress, Social, Societal, Society, Values, Social Capital, Subjective Well-being, Subjective, Redistribution, Growth

    Governance

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    The paper argues against the currently fashionable case for “state minimalism”. It argues for a strong, activist state, though operating on a different basis and in different areas from the many recently failed interventionist states and many developing countries. The paper seeks to rescue alternative perspectives, such as the importance of the “civil society” that cuts across national boundaries. Global participation is examined. “Market-friendly” interventions are welcomed only if they are “people-friendly”. The role of the civil society, the problems of the post-socialist countries and the role of the fashionable slogans privatisation, liberalisation, deregulation and decentralisation are analysed. These are seen to call for many qualifications. The links between democracy, capitalism and development are reviewed. The social capital of trust and reciprocity that is invested in norms and networks of civic life is seen as a vital factor of effective government and economic progress. Should economic reform precede political reform in the countries in transition? Some lessons can be learned for the developing countries from the countries in transition. An analysis of the politics and the political economy of development aid follow. Buffers between donors and recipients are suggested, such as mutual monitoring of each other’s performance by recipients, a council of wise men and women, or a secretariat with genuinely global loyalties. A quiet style in aid-giving is also an option, when potential improvers are rewarded, without the imposition of conditionality. The paper then goes on to a presentation of various theories of the state. A non-maximising theory is recommended. It ends with a set of policy conclusions for governments and for aid agencies.

    The (Implicit) Microeconomic Foundations of The Economy of Francesco

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    In this paper, I analyse the microeconomic foundations of the economic judgements expressed in the encyclical letters of Pope Francis. I argue that these judgements are based on the implicit assumption that 1) human preferences are not those of the selfish Homo economicus and 2) market outcomes are neither equitable nor efficient. I discuss how both 1) and 2) are alternative foundations of the standard neoclassical paradigm, and I offer a review across economic fields of the most important contributions that explicitly put forward these microeconomic foundations. The fact that 1)is a criticism of individual assumptions and 2) is a criticism of an aggregate outcome poseschallenges and opportunities: a growing body of recent economic research has offered importantcontributions on such links; therefore, I show that modern economic research can offer a comprehensive microeconomic foundation of The Economy of Francesco

    The Much Maligned 527 and Institutional Choice

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    The continuing controversy over 527 organizations has led Congress to impose extensive disclosure requirements on these political organizations and to consider imposing extensive restrictions on their funding as well. The debate about what laws should govern these entities has, however, so far almost completely ignored the fact that such laws raise a complicated institutional choice question. This Article seeks to resolve that question by developing a new institutional choice framework to guide this and similar choices. The Article first explores the context for making this determination by describing the current laws governing 527s, including both federal election laws administered by the Federal Election Commission and federal tax laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service. The Article then proposes and applies an institutional choice framework to guide the decision of into which body of substantive law the current and proposed rules for 527s should be incorporated. The Article concludes that while regulation of political activity through both election law and tax law can work reasonably well, the different tasks for which these bodies of law and their implementing agencies are best suited require a different allocation of responsibilities than both current and proposed laws governing 527s provides. Finally, the Article identifies other areas that may benefit from application of this framework

    Graduating Class: Race, Economics and Education in Bloomfield, CT

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    This paper attempts to explain how Bloomfield, CT simultaneously maintains an integrated town population and an extremely segregated public schools population. By examining the intersection of race and class in regards to housing and education, this paper traces the transition of Bloomfield from a predominately white to a predominately African-American suburb, and the effect this change had on the public schools.The paper concludes with a discussion of opinions about Bloomfield, comparing popular perceptions of the town and schools to the lived experiences of former students and parents

    Turning the Tides - An Examination of the Red Tide Epidemic in Florida

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    Southwest Florida’s red tides are characterized by patches of maroon-colored water, respiratory irritants, and elevated levels of marine mortalities. While a natural phenomenon, red tide has a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems that become overwhelmed with dense aggregations of unicellular organisms and the subsequent brevetoxins that are released into the air. ​This paper reviews recent research on the Gulf Coast’s red tide epidemic in an attempt to fully understand the cause of the heightened intensity, frequency, and duration of algal blooms. It goes on to highlight the Sanibel and Captiva Islands’ rich history in conservation, and how this foundation of sustainability and corporate responsibility has promoted the rise of grassroots organizations and a strong culture of island preservation. ​Lastly, this review includes interviews with prominent community members who are diligently working to improve Florida’s water quality, and has profound implications for future studies of red tide blooms and their impact on local business. The underlying intent of this thesis is to influence legislation to minimize fertilizer consumption in Florida and to increase awareness regarding our role as consumers and advocates on behalf of our natural resources
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