| By: |
Andersson, Jens (Department of Economic History, Lund University);
Andersson, Martin (Department of Economic History, Lund University) |
| Abstract: |
This paper investigates the outcome of the efforts to economically catch up
during the so-called development era in French speaking West Africa. An
attempt is made to measure and discuss key elements of social capability over
the period 1930-1980 in Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal following Moses Abramovitz'
interpretation of social capability. The paper distinguishes between four
elements of social capability: degree of structural transformation, social and
economic inclusion, the state's autonomy and its accountability. We find that
there was significant but uneven progress in social capability in both
countries during the development era. Despite their differences in economic
performance both countries confronted fundamental shared challenges. Most
notably, our analysis highlights how persistent lack of broad-based access to
economic opportunities played a significant role in disrupting sustained
economic and social progress in the two countries. This gives an opportunity
to reflect on similarities and differences between the development era and the
recent African growth phase. |
| Keywords: |
Social capability; Africa; Developoment; Transformation; Colonialism |
| JEL: |
N17 O11 O47 O55 |
| Date: |
2019–04–17 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:luekhi:0202&r=all |