Socio Economic Development

Taking a comparative and multidisciplinary approach, this textbook offers a non-technical introduction to the dynamics of socio-economic development and stagnation.

Why are poor countries poor and rich countries rich? How are wealth and poverty related to changes in nutrition, health, life expectancy, education, population growth and politics? This modern, non-technical 2005 introduction to development studies explores the dynamics of socio-economic development and stagnation in developing countries. Taking a quantitative and comparative approach to contemporary debates within their broader context, Szirmai examines historical, institutional, demographic, sociological, political and cultural factors. Key chapters focus on economic growth, technological change, industrialisation, agricultural development, and consider social dimensions such as population growth, health and education. Each chapter contains comparative statistics on trends from a sample of twenty-nine developing countries. This rich statistical database allows students to strengthen their understanding of comparative development experiences. Assuming no prior knowledge of economics the book is suited for use in inter-disciplinary development studies programmes as well as economics courses, and will also interest practitioners pursuing careers in developing countries.

Developing economies around the world must balance fast growth with traditional values to achieve the greatest success. Issues related to rural innovation, knowledge management, and emerging technologies are at the forefront of every developing country’s concerns. Promoting Socio-Economic Development through Business Integration builds on available literature in the field of socio-economic development in developing countries, providing further research opportunities in this field. Research scholars, academics, policymakers, government officials, and more will find this book to be a crucial source of knowledge to their respective disciplines.

The social and economic systems of any country are influenced by a range of factors including income and education. As such, it is vital to examine how these factors are creating opportunities to improve both the economy and the lives of people within these countries. Socio-Economic Development: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications provides a critical look at the process of social and economic transformation based on environmental and cultural factors including income, skills development, employment, and education. Highlighting a range of topics such as economics, social change, and e-governance, this multi-volume book is designed for policymakers, practitioners, city-development planners, academicians, government officials, and graduate-level students interested in emerging perspectives on socio-economic development.

Advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and social scientists interested in a wide-ranging but concise review of contemporary theories of social and economic development will find this second edition invaluable. The coverage spans the disciplines of sociology, psychology, economics, political science, political economy, geography, and management. The theories are organized by level of analysis—individual, organizational, societal, and international—to provide the reader with a larger organizational scheme in which to understand the theoretical explanations and arguments and to emphasize the importance of developing linkages among the different levels. Some of the new topics discussed include: globalization, transnational organizational structures, debt, the transition from socialism to capitalism and human development.

International Development is a comprehensive inquiry into the field of socio-economic development founded on an understanding that economic advancement involves transformation of society. It explores successful developmental strategies but also tries to identify factors behind failed endeavours and the human costs associated with them. The book evaluates the role played by influential agents of development, such as the state and its institutions, authoritarian leaders, international organizations, donor agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society activists, and private business actors. Key features: A multi-disciplinary approach taking into account politics, economics, sociology, cultural aspects, and history of development; Examines a breadth of different theoretical approaches and their practical applications; Presents both mainstream and critical viewpoints; Addresses such complex issues as governability processes, rights of the poor, colonial legacy, armed conflict, environmental sustainability, gender relations, foreign aid, urbanization, rural development, and international trade; Suggested further reading list at the end of each chapter. This well-balanced book will be a key text for students and practitioners working in the area of socio-economic development and more broadly in development studies, the politics of development and international political economy.

"This book focuses on the role and contribution of global campaigns, in accelerating economic growth with a multiplier effect on the national income by inviting global participation in all the sectors of socio economic development"--

Vocational skill development (VSD) has the capacity to contribute to poverty reduction because it serves as the key to job creation and inclusive growth. As developed nations have been faced with high youth and graduate unemployment rates, basic education and vocational skill development have become a priority of development cooperation activities. However, there is a realization that measures to improve skill training can only be successful if they are in harmony with employment and economic policies. Socio-Economic Perspectives on Vocational Skill Development: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of equipping individuals with relevant work skills and implementing effective skills systems that can lead to economic growth and high levels of productivity. While highlighting topics including human capital, professional development, and skill gaps, this book is ideally designed for managers, business professionals, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and management students seeking the current understanding of the strategic role of skill development at different levels of the socio-economic system.