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The Political Economy of Collective Action: Inequality and Development | Book Review

Alfred Ross

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Published in The Political Economy Of Collective Action Inequality And Development

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Collective action is a fundamental aspect of human society. It is the process by which individuals come together to achieve common goals. Collective action can take many forms, from small-scale cooperation to large-scale social movements.

The political economy of collective action is the study of the factors that shape collective action and its impact on development outcomes. This field of study draws on insights from economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology to understand how collective action can be used to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve political stability.

There are a number of factors that shape collective action, including:

The Political Economy of Collective Action, Inequality, and Development

by William D. Ferguson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5567 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	415 pages

Social and economic inequality: Inequality can create barriers to collective action. When there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, the poor may be less likely to participate in collective action because they feel that they will not benefit from it.
Political institutions: Political institutions can also affect collective action. In countries with strong democratic institutions, citizens are more likely to be able to participate in collective action. Conversely, in countries with authoritarian regimes, collective action may be suppressed.
Cultural norms: Cultural norms can also influence collective action. In some cultures, there is a strong tradition of cooperation and mutual aid. In other cultures, individualism is more highly valued, which can make it more difficult to organize collective action.

Collective action can have a significant impact on development outcomes. For example, collective action can be used to:

Promote economic growth: Collective action can be used to build infrastructure, provide education and healthcare, and promote economic development.
Reduce poverty: Collective action can be used to provide social safety nets, create jobs, and improve access to basic services.
Improve political stability: Collective action can be used to strengthen democratic institutions, promote human rights, and reduce conflict.

The political economy of collective action is a complex and fascinating field of study. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape collective action and its impact on development outcomes. It is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding how collective action can be used to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve political stability.

The Political Economy of Collective Action, Inequality, and Development

by William D. Ferguson

5 out of 5