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Journal of Economic Literature Vol. 62 No. 4 2024

Social Protection in the Developing World

Abhijit Banerjee1; Rema Hanna2; Benjamin A. Olken1; Diana Sverdlin Lisker3

1 Massachusetts Institute of Technology · 2 Harvard Kennedy School · 3 World Bank

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.

DOI
10.1257/jel.20241646
Volume
62
Issue
4
Pages
1349-1421
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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