Progress in Development Studies

Using a macro-meso-micro framework this paper examines the shifts in the hegemonic development model and the implementation of new participatory mechanisms. It argues that despite macro-level policy shifts, in the Chilean context, the implementation of these mechanisms at the meso- and micro-levels has limited opportunities for citizen input into policy-making processes. The analysis focuses on citizen engagement with the machinery of participation and argues that the co-option of NGOs and civil society groups by the state has meant that there has been little real challenge to the implementation from civil society and policy-making remains a top-down process.

The importance of good health of a population is crucial when determining social welfare. A new health-adjusted national income indicator that explores the relationships between economic growth, health and social welfare in Bangkok, Thailand from 1975 to 1999 is applied. This new approach to social welfare analysis is based on normative social choice theory, cost-benefit and systems analysis and is called (new)³ welfare economics. This paper argues that traditional measures of welfare, such as national income, fail to reflect accurately the impact of health on social welfare.

This paper discusses the political response to HIV/AIDS in Eritrea, a country where the epidemic appears to have stabilized at an average prevalence rate of around 3%. It shows that Eritrea has mobilized an effective multisectoral response to cope with the epidemic and its impact under conditions of full-scale war followed by a still-fragile postconflict situation, compounded by recurring drought and economic decline. As one key factor for successful policy action, the commitment of a centralized government with the capacity to implement its decisions and mobilize other stakeholders is identified. Another important factor might be the high level of social cohesion prevalent within Eritrean society.

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study of a relatively new group of Caribbean migrants, namely second-generation overseas-born Barbadians who have decided to migrate to the country of birth of at least one of their parents, paying particular attention to the development-oriented implications of these migrants. After a brief review of the circumstances surrounding this relatively new and innovative migratory cohort, the insights gained from in-depth interviews with 25 such migrants are presented. The account focuses in particular on the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the young returnees, as well as their pattern of visits to the island prior to migration, and the reasons for their move. The paper then tentatively explores the adjustments made by the returnees and those that they feel they still face. In a number of respects, the essentially ‘hybrid’ and ‘inbetween’ positionality of these young transnational migrants is emphasized. Thus, they report difficulties in making friends (especially female friends), problems regarding their accents, feeling like an outsider, culture shock, the Americanization of society, being regarded as ‘mad’, aspects of resentment and having to accept things as they are. Through the analysis, issues of national and racial identity are shown to be of particular salience.