Comments on: Orthodox Economic Education, Ideology and Commercial Interests: Relationships that Inhibit Poverty Alleviation

By: Asad Zaman

Asad Zaman — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 05:34:21 +0000

I wrote a paper on the same theme — Anti-Poverty Policies and Anti Poor Philosophies — it can be downloaded from SSRN: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2273127

The problem is that the mainstream occupies center stage in propagation of false theories. The main issue facing us is: how to reach our audience? Heterodoxy is tolerated in at most one or two departments in US Universities, while Orthodoxy is taught as a religion at hundreds. All leading scholars, policy makers, journalists, and other influential idea mongers are trained at institutions designed to propagate these false theories. We can devise a new curriculum, but who will teach it, and at which universities?

ABSTRACT of PAPER: Anti-Poverty Policies and Anti Poor Philosophies.

In this paper, the many policies, philosophies, and theories which claim to help the poor, but actually hurt them are discussed. The most prominent recent example is that of the Structural Adjustment Programs vigorously pushed by the World Bank. Their contribution to increasing poverty has been documented by many authors, and even the World Bank has acknowledged their failure. The main theme of this paper is that only a small minority (the top 1%) benefits from the exploitation of the poor. However, in democratic societies, they must acquire the support of the majority to carry out these policies. This process of generating support requires the fabrication of theories which support and justify such exploitation as necessary and reasonable.

By: Edward K Ross

Edward K Ross — Tue, 14 May 2013 01:25:00 +0000

THANKS FOR THE REPLY It seems i did not make myself clear firstly from observation in the real world i am very much against neo classical -economic rationalism for two main reasons one it bears no relevance to the real world two main stream neo liberal economists refusal to openly engage in discussion, conversations with those who offer an alternative view destroys any creditability main stream economic may have had. next some of the reading material for my course in Anthropology and third world development was Anthropology and third world development edited by Bill Geddes,Jenny Hughes and Joe Remenyi 1994 and Global Forces,Local realities Anthropological perspectives on change in the third world. edited by Bill Geddes and Malcolm Crick 1997 Furthermore Geddes, Crick and Remenyi all seriously question the validity of main stream economics and strongly support development from the bottom up. re the authors you have suggested i first read an artical of Naomi Klein in 2000 and Ha Joon Chang in approximately 2004 . However i can assure that that i will endeavor to obtain the books you recommend i probably hardly need to tell you that i have had very little education but believe passionately in helping the undeveloped poor people to help themselves Therefore i have to congratulate you on your paper which i first read when it was first published in the P,A.E. JOURNAL. ted

By: Jim Angresano

Jim Angresano — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:45:42 +0000

I did not miss the point – you did. Development theory (neoclassical style) argues this, but development reality is quite the opposite. I suggest you read Naomi Klein’s THE SHOCK DOCTRINE and William Easterly’s THE WHITE MAN’S BURDEN, as well as Ha-Joon Chang’s BAD SAMARITANS. Each will argue forcefully against the notion of trickle down, especially when induced from the top.

By: Edward K Ross

Edward K Ross — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:19:09 +0000

Generally i am very much in agreement with your paper my response is not from an academic background rather it is based on practical experience as in P.N.G. . Where my late wife and i worked as volunteers in a remote part of the west sepik area.for 12 years finishing in 81. THUS i am in total agreement with the importance of first learning the local culture and social system secondly any one involved in development really needs to know the subject they subject they are endeavoring to teach and then be able to adapt that knowledge to the local conditions Next while i am in agreement with your criticism of neo liberal economic theory and the likes of the imf and world bank as well as trans national corporations you seem to have missed the fact much of development theory argues that pouring money in at the top then trickles down. From my experience and as you say in different words only supports corruption.therefore i argue development must start from the bottom up Finally after mY P.N.G. experiencei did a mature age bachelor of arts degree at gelong university Australia that included Anthropology and third world development and did several papers based on my P.N.G. experiences subsequently i am aware of some of the authors you quote as well as some others

By: Jim Angresano

Jim Angresano — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:23:28 +0000

Dragoljub

I was in Bulgaria during 1991-1992 and then in what became the Czech Republic 1992-1993. In addition I visited many Central and Eastern European countries during that time period. The central thesis of my paper was illustrated over and over again as I learned from many university faculty in that region, as well as from Western “consultants” working in the region.

By: dragoljub stojanov

dragoljub stojanov — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:22:15 +0000

agreem. My expierience with transition process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia provide ample evidence for the thesis.
Besides, I did write an article entitled -Cybernetic neocolonialism:TNC and IMF partners on global economy.,as far back as 1984