Why do bureaucracies get so bloated? Why have efforts to improve education struggled? Why have attempts at administrative reform failed? Such questions confound Latin American nations as they strive to make their social and economic programs more effective. They frustrate donor agencies as they watch their carefully-tailored technical assistance come up short. But they also … [Read more...] about Who Decides Social Policy?
Social Issues
A Call for Development: When a Phone Alone Can Alleviate Poverty
While the technology world is caught in a flurry of speculation about the potential new features of the next iPhone, expected to be released in late September, a simple mobile phone with basic features is having a meaningful impact as a tool to alleviate poverty in the developing world. When it comes to the poor, telephony is the Information and Telecommunications Technology … [Read more...] about A Call for Development: When a Phone Alone Can Alleviate Poverty
Breastfeeding: The Best Recipe for a Healthy Start
Latin America has a breast feeding problem. But before getting into the details, let me note that August 1-7, 2015 is World Breastfeeding Week. The line-up of sponsors is impressive. This annual event is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of organizations and individuals that promote breastfeeding worldwide. Partners in this … [Read more...] about Breastfeeding: The Best Recipe for a Healthy Start
Hitting Kids: How Much Does It Hurt?
By: Norbert Schady During the recent riots in Baltimore, MD, Toya Graham, an irate mother of a would-be protester, became an instant celebrity when she was caught on tape roughing up her son. She appeared on the evening news slapping his head repeatedly and pushing him down the street away from the violence that was engulfing the city. Given the situation, Ms. Graham’s … [Read more...] about Hitting Kids: How Much Does It Hurt?
The Diaspora Goldmine
Many countries have substantial diasporas, but not many are proud of it. After all, people tend not to leave a country when it is doing well, so the diaspora is often a reminder of a country’s darker moments. El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba, to cite three examples, had more than 10% of their native population living abroad in 2010. And this figure does not take into account … [Read more...] about The Diaspora Goldmine