Journal of Economic Literature
ISSN 0022-0515 (Print) | ISSN 2328-8175 (Online)
Social Protection in the Developing World
Journal of Economic Literature
vol. 62,
no. 4, December 2024
(pp. 1349–1421)
Abstract
Social protection programs have become increasingly widespread in low- and middle-income countries, with their own distinct characteristics to match the environments in which they are operating. This paper reviews the growing literature on the design and impact of these programs. We review how to identify potential beneficiaries given the large informal sector, the design and implementation of redistribution and income support programs, and the challenges and potential of social insurance. We use our frameworks as a guide for consolidating and organizing the existing literature and also to highlight areas and questions for future research.Citation
Banerjee, Abhijit, Rema Hanna, Benjamin A. Olken, and Diana Sverdlin Lisker. 2024. "Social Protection in the Developing World." Journal of Economic Literature, 62 (4): 1349–1421. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20241646Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- E26 Informal Economy; Underground Economy
- H23 Taxation and Subsidies: Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
- I13 Health Insurance, Public and Private
- I32 Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
- I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
- O12 Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
- O16 Economic Development: Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance