The Politics of Distributing Social Transfers

The Politics of Distributing Social Transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia examines the political processes shaping the distribution of social transfers in six countries. It highlights the importance of state capacity and reach, political competition, and power relations in shaping the effectiveness and impartiality of distribution. The book underscores the inherently political nature of implementation and questions common technocratic efforts to improve implementation by de-politicizing the social protection policy process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Politics of Distributing Social Transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the political dynamics that shape the distribution of social transfers in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This book fills a significant gap in recent research on social protection, particularly in addressing the politics of implementation. While much attention has been devoted to debating the merits of different policy designs and the political factors influencing the adoption and diffusion of various policy models, the ultimate success of any social transfer program hinges on its effective implementation and distribution, aligned with its intended objectives.

The chapters in this book explore international and sub-national variations in program implementation in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nepal, and Rwanda, utilizing a common analytical framework that emphasizes the role of state capacity and reach, rooted in historical state formation processes and contemporary political competition in shaping social transfer distribution. Through a comparative analysis of these case studies, the book supports the notion that variation in the capacity and reach of the state within countries is a crucial factor in determining the effectiveness and impartiality of distribution. However, state capacity alone is not sufficient. Political competition and power relations also play a significant role in shaping how this capacity is deployed in practice.

As such, this book underscores the inherently political nature of social transfer distribution, highlighting the need for policymakers and practitioners to consider the political dimensions of social protection programs. By understanding the complex interplay between state capacity, political competition, and power relations, policymakers can design more effective and equitable social transfer policies that address the needs of vulnerable populations while promoting political stability and social cohesion.

In conclusion, The Politics of Distributing Social Transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia is a valuable contribution to the field of social protection. By providing a systematic analysis of the political processes shaping social transfer distribution, this book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by policymakers and practitioners in developing and implementing social protection programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It is a must-read for scholars, researchers, and policymakers interested in understanding the politics of social protection and its potential to promote social equity and well-being.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192862525