What Is Development Economics?
Development economics is a branch of economicsthat focuses on improving fiscal, economic,and social conditions in developing countries. Development economics considers factors such as health, education, working conditions, domestic and international policies, and market conditions with a focus on improving conditions in the world's poorest countries.
The field also examines both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors relating to the structure of developing economies and domestic and international economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Development economics is a branch of economics whose goal is to better the fiscal, economic, and social conditions of developing countries.
- Areas that development economics focuses on include health, education, working conditions, and market conditions.
- Development economics seeks to understand and shape macro and microeconomic policies in order to lift poor countries out of poverty.
- The application of development economics is complex and varied as the cultural, social, and economic frameworks of every nation is different.
- Four common theories of development economics include mercantilism, nationalism, the linear stages of growth model, and structural-change theory.
Understanding Development Economics
Development economics studies the transformation of emerging nations into more prosperous nations. Strategies for transforming a developing economy tend to be unique because the social and political backgrounds of countries can varydramatically. Not only that, but the cultural and economic frameworks of every nation is different also, such as women's rights and child labor laws.
Students of economics,and professional economists,create theories and methods that guide practitioners in determining practices and policies that can be used and implemented atthe domestic andinternational policy level.
Some aspects of development economics include determiningto what extent rapid population growth helps or hinders development, the structural transformation of economies, and the role of education and healthcare in development.
They also include international trade, globalization, sustainable development, the effects of epidemics, such as HIV, and the impact of catastrophes on economic and human development.
Prominent development economists include Jeffrey Sachs, Hernando de Soto Polar, and Nobel Laureates Simon Kuznets, Amartya Sen, and Joseph Stiglitz.
Types of Development Economics
Mercantilism
Mercantilism is thought to be one of the earliest forms of development economics that created practices to promote the success of a nation. It was a dominant economic theory practiced in Europe from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The theorypromoted augmenting state power by lowering exposure to rival national powers.
Like political absolutism and absolute monarchies, mercantilism promoted government regulation by prohibiting colonies fromtransacting with other nations.
Mercantilismmonopolized markets with staple ports and banned gold and silver exports. It believed the higher the supply of gold and silver, the more wealthy it would be. In general, it sought a trade surplus (exports greater than imports), did not allow the use of foreign ships for trade, and it optimized the use of domestic resources.
Economic Nationalism
Economic nationalism reflectspolicies that focus on domestic control of capital formation, the economy, and labor, using tariffs or other barriers. It restrictsthe movement of capital, goods, and labor.
Economic nationalists do not generally agree with the benefits of globalization and unlimited free trade. They focus on a policy that is isolationist so that the industries within a nation are able to grow without the threat of competition from established companies in other countries.
The economy of the early United States is a prime example of economic nationalism. As a new nation, it sought to develop itself without relying so much on outside influences. It enacted measures, such as high tariffs, so its own industries would grow unimpeded.
Linear Stages of Growth Model
The linear stages of growth model was used to revitalize the European economy after World War II.
This modelstates that economic growth can only stem from industrialization. The model also agrees that local institutions and social attitudes can restrict growthif these factors influence people's savings rates and investments.
The linear stages of growth model portrays an appropriately designed addition of capital partnered with public intervention. This injection of capital and restrictions from the public sector leads to economic development and industrialization.
Structural-Change Theory
The structural-change theory focuses on changing the overall economic structure of a nation, which aims to shift society from being a primarily agrarian one to a primarily industrial one.
For example, Russia before the communist revolution was an agrarian society. When the communists overthrew the royal family and took power, they rapidly industrialized the nation, allowing it to eventually become a superpower.
What Is Development Economics Used for?
Development economics is the study of how emerging nations become more financially stable. It can be used as a tool forstudents and economists working to develop policies that can be used in creating domestic and international policy.
What Is the Goal of Development Economics?
Ultimately, the study of development economics is meant to help better the financial, economic and social circ*mstances in developing countries through the enactmentof certain structures and policies.
What Are the 4 Main Topics in Development Economics?
The topics, or types of development economics include mercantilism, economic nationalism, linear stages of growth model, and structural-change theory.
The Bottom Line
Development economics examines things like the structure of domestic and international economies in order to improve conditions in developing countries. There are many theories of development economics. While mercantilism, nationalism, linear stages of growth, and structural-change theory are four of the most common, this field of study continues to develop and change.
