Title
Institutions and Development in Latin America: A Comparative Analysis
Author(s)
Alejandro Portes Alejandro Portes (Princeton University)
Lori D. Smith Lori Smith (Princeton University)
Abstract
We review the theoretical literature on the concept of institutions and its relationship to national development, propose a definition of the concept, and advance six hypotheses about institutional adequacy and contributions to national development. We then present results of a comparative empirical study of existing institutions in three Latin American countries and examine their organizational similarities and differences. Employing the qualitative comparative method (QCA) proposed by Ragin, we then test the six hypotheses. Results converge in showing the importance of meritocracy, immunity to corruption, absence of islands of power, and proactivity in producing effective institutions. Findings strongly support Evans' theory of developmental apparatuses.
Creation Date
2007-12
Section URL ID
CMD
Paper Number
wp0801.pdf
URL
https://conexaosociologiaeconomica.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/institutions-and-national-development-in-latin-america1.pdf
File Function
Jel
O15, R22, F22
Keyword(s)
Suppress
false
Series
7