Economic Development and Global Poverty

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main criticisms of foreign aid highlighted by advocates against it?

It completely eradicates poverty in receiving countries.

It fosters a culture of self-reliance.

It ensures the proper use of funds in all situations.

It can stifle local initiative and development. (correct)

How might foreign aid impact the civil service in recipient countries?

It can drain the public sector of skilled personnel. (correct)

It promotes long-term employment in the civil service.

It strengthens local governance by increasing employee numbers.

It raises salaries, making public sector jobs more competitive.

What unintended consequence can arise from the implementation of foreign aid programs?

Increased domestic reforms and ownership.

Saturation of the management capacity of the recipient country. (correct)

Improved efficiency in government operations.

Enhanced local tax collection efforts.

Which factor is noted as potentially influencing the effectiveness of foreign aid?

The quality of governance in the recipient country. Signup and view all the answers

What approach does Esther Duflo propose for alleviating poverty effectively?

Microeconomic interventions for targeted small-scale actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'stock' refer to in the context of population and economy?

The total population size Signup and view all the answers

Which region is cited as experiencing resource scarcity due to population growth?

The Sahel Signup and view all the answers

What can result from a high proportion of young dependents in a population?

Strain on social services Signup and view all the answers

What conditions are necessary for a demographic dividend to be realized?

Education and job creation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of rapid population growth without a proportional increase in resources?

Overwhelmed essential services Signup and view all the answers

How does a demographic dividend begin to occur?

By declining fertility and mortality rates Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the first stage of demographic transition?

High birth rates and high death rates Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do lesser developed countries face in achieving demographic shifts?

High birth rates and large dependent populations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary expectation of individuals regarding their extended family in the context of African traditional values?

They must provide financial support. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of urban elites and development, what is a common perception towards Western development initiatives?

They represent cultural and racial inferiority. Signup and view all the answers

What transformation did humans undergo around 10,000 years ago due to dwindling wild animal supplies?

They shifted from hunting and gathering to farming. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features made the Fertile Crescent particularly conducive to early agriculture?

Rich selection of domesticable plants and animals. Signup and view all the answers

What does Achille Mbembe suggest regarding the focus on origins for Africans?

It limits potential understanding of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does Senghor's philosophy of 'assimilate without being assimilated' imply?

Integrate beneficial aspects of other cultures while preserving one's identity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial process through which humans began to cultivate certain plants?

Unintentional selection by collecting larger seeds. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the East-West axes in Eurasia beneficial for agriculture?

They shared similar day lengths and seasonal patterns. Signup and view all the answers

How is time perceived in relation to African cultures as described?

As cyclical and connected to spiritual and communal rhythms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk mentioned regarding societies exposed to external cultural influences?

They risk being torn between traditional heritage and modern demands. Signup and view all the answers

What change did humans make in agriculture as their knowledge advanced?

They learned to propagate fruit trees selectively. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major limitation of agriculture in regions with a North-South axis?

Climate and day length differences hindered adaptation. Signup and view all the answers

What approach does Axelle Kabou recommend for Africa regarding beneficial Western innovations?

To borrow useful innovations while maintaining cultural identity. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a consequence of negative judgment on Western solutions according to Georges Balandier?

A lack of common understanding and vision for the future. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits is an example of intentional selection in agriculture?

Larger seeds and fruits for better yields. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage did Eurasia have over other regions regarding agricultural innovation?

A larger population with connected societies. Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of a clash between traditional and modern values?

Cultural shocks or traumas Signup and view all the answers

According to Max Weber, how did Calvinism influence capitalism?

By linking worldly success to spiritual salvation Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did some scholars have regarding the relationship between Protestantism and economic development?

Rising literacy rates played a significant role Signup and view all the answers

Which two cultures are said to be more supportive of economic growth?

Protestant and Confucian cultures Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sectarianism' refer to in this context?

A radicalization of cultural beliefs Signup and view all the answers

According to Lenski's study, which group displayed stronger capitalist tendencies?

Protestants Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of cultures that may hinder economic development?

Focus on communal rituals and spiritual priorities Signup and view all the answers

What belief may lead Calvinists to view failure as a moral failing?

Success is a sign of divine approval Signup and view all the answers

How did geographic diversity in Europe contribute to technological innovation?

It caused political fragmentation and competition. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of political competition in Europe?

Increased maritime exploration. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Protestant Reformation play in European innovation?

It spurred innovation in printing and communication. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for the Islamic Golden Age's scientific advancements?

Translations of Greek texts into Arabic. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Japan's Meiji Restoration have on its interaction with Western powers?

It necessitated the adoption of Western practices to compete. Signup and view all the answers

What institution is described as the engine of innovation and expansion in Europe?

Competition among various states. Signup and view all the answers

How did the structure of the Chinese empire impact its technological development?

It centralized power and stifled competition. Signup and view all the answers

Which mathematician is credited with introducing algebra to the Islamic world?

Al-Khwarizmi. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Development Policies and International Aid

Course 1: History and Explanation of Economic Development Worldwide
- Questions:
  - Why did some nations succeed and others fail?
  - Why did wealth and power become distributed as they are today?
  - Why did economic history unfold differently across continents?
  - Why did Eurasian societies become disproportionately powerful and innovative?
- Global Poverty:
  - 9.2% of the global population lives below the poverty line ($1.90/day), primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
  - 26% live in extreme or moderate poverty ($3.20/day).
  - 47% live in moderate poverty ($6.85/day).
  - Poverty has decreased from 36% in 1990 to 9.2% in 2022.
  - Growth in poor countries exceeded growth in rich countries from 1995 to 2015.
- False Explanations of Disparity:
  - Biological differences in intelligence are not supported by scientific evidence.
  - Climate effects on development are not a definitive factor.
Development
- Definition: Expansion of people's freedoms and capabilities. These means are tools, not the ultimate goals (GNP growth, income improvements, industrialization, technological advancement, social modernization).
- Barriers to Development: Poverty, hunger, treatable diseases, lack of clean water, limited economic and educational opportunities, social inequality, and political repression.
Course 2: The Role of History and Institutions in Economic Development
- Causes of Western Dominance:
  - Geography, ecology, and historical context.
  - Food surplus, enabling societies to support non-food producers, and lead to larger populations and technological advancements.
  - Domestication of crops and animals.
  - Development of transportation and military technology and surplus resources.
  - Specialized labor, hierarchical organization, political systems, and governance.
Course 3: The Cultural Factor or Cultural Explanation
- Culture's Definition: Customs, habits, rules, purposes, beliefs, religious and artistic practices that shape societies.
- Culture and Economic Development:
  - Culture's role in shaping norms, beliefs, and values that relate to economic behavior, investment, and innovation.
  - Culture relates to understanding how people perceive the social reality and the tangible world.
Course 4: Development and Demography
- Demographic Factors:
  - Population size (stock):
  - Population structure (age distribution): => Impacts on workforce, dependency ratios, and social services demand
  - Population flow (growth rate): => Impacts of rapid population growth on available resources and services.
- Demographic Dividend:
  - Economic growth potential when mortality and fertility rates decline, resulting in a larger portion of the population in the working-age.
Course 5: The West and the Rest
- 15th Century Europe:
  - Europe was a relatively underdeveloped area at the beginning of the 15th century.
Course 6: Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- Definition: Government aid to developing countries aimed at fostering economic development and improving welfare.
- Delivery Methods: Bilaterally (from one donor country to another) or multilaterally (through international organizations).
- Components: Grants, soft loans, supporting recipient country’s general budget.
Course 7: Challenges in Lesser Developed Countries
- Factors affecting the demographic transition and population growth in developing countries. (mortality, healthcare)
- Birth rate and death rate dynamics.
General Notes:
- Many global and regional factors affect patterns of development.
- Cultural norms, societal structures, and historical contexts shape economic outcomes and development processes.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationship between economic development policies, international aid, and global poverty through this quiz. Address key questions regarding the success and failure of nations and critically evaluate common misconceptions about wealth distribution. Gain insights into historical patterns that shaped today's economic landscape.