Why Isn't the Whole World Developed
'Why isn't the whole world developed?'
A comparative essay review by Prabhdeep Jammu
ID# - 090294180
EC247
'Why isn't the whole world developed' by Richard Easterlin
Summary
In the paper titled 'Why isn't the whole world developed' written by Richard Easterlin, the author tries to put forth an explanation as to why the whole world hasn't developed yet. The past century has seen the greatest economic, technological and knowledge growth in modern history, yet some nations are still in the same position as they were many years ago. The author's argument is based on the assumption that technological progress is or has been the source of economic progress in the past two centuries. Technological progress leads to efficient production, which leads to higher income, which leads to economic progress. Thus, the author concludes that limited growth has mainly occurred due to the limited diffusion of technology amongst nations. Now, Easterlin states that most technological progress or innovation is dependent upon a reliable and stable educational system - "modern technology" must be taught and learned. An educational system, or lack thereof, is the main reason for limited growth of technological progress, and as a consequence, limited economic growth. Formal schooling, according to Easterlin, is the most effective source of ensuring continuous technological and economic growth. Easterlin proves this by showing that certain countries did show economic growth after a formal schooling system was introduced and maintained. Finally, Easterlin theorizes that " the historical experience of the world's twenty-five largest nations, the establishment and expansion of formal schooling has depended in large part on political conditions and ideological influences. The limited spread of modem economic growth before World War II has thus been due, at bottom, to important political and ideological differences throughout the world." (Easterlin, Page 1)
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My
A comparative essay review by Prabhdeep Jammu
ID# - 090294180
EC247
'Why isn't the whole world developed' by Richard Easterlin
Summary
In the paper titled 'Why isn't the whole world developed' written by Richard Easterlin, the author tries to put forth an explanation as to why the whole world hasn't developed yet. The past century has seen the greatest economic, technological and knowledge growth in modern history, yet some nations are still in the same position as they were many years ago. The author's argument is based on the assumption that technological progress is or has been the source of economic progress in the past two centuries. Technological progress leads to efficient production, which leads to higher income, which leads to economic progress. Thus, the author concludes that limited growth has mainly occurred due to the limited diffusion of technology amongst nations. Now, Easterlin states that most technological progress or innovation is dependent upon a reliable and stable educational system - "modern technology" must be taught and learned. An educational system, or lack thereof, is the main reason for limited growth of technological progress, and as a consequence, limited economic growth. Formal schooling, according to Easterlin, is the most effective source of ensuring continuous technological and economic growth. Easterlin proves this by showing that certain countries did show economic growth after a formal schooling system was introduced and maintained. Finally, Easterlin theorizes that " the historical experience of the world's twenty-five largest nations, the establishment and expansion of formal schooling has depended in large part on political conditions and ideological influences. The limited spread of modem economic growth before World War II has thus been due, at bottom, to important political and ideological differences throughout the world." (Easterlin, Page 1)
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My