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Old age, poverty and social investment

Author

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  • Armando Barrientos

    (IDPM, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK)

Abstract

The paper examines two commonly held views on the relationship existing between old age and poverty in developing countries: that poverty is less pronounced among the old; and that poverty reduction programmes focused on the old have lower social payoffs than programmes aimed at the young. The paper argues that standard measures underestimate old age poverty, and that the evaluation of poverty programmes needs to take account of the economic contribution of the old and of positive externalities in old age support. It concludes that the low priority given to old age support in developing countries needs to be reconsidered. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Armando Barrientos, 2002. "Old age, poverty and social investment," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(8), pages 1133-1141.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:14:y:2002:i:8:p:1133-1141
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.955
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Bloom, David E. & McKinnon, Roddy, 2013. "The Design and Implementation of Public Pension Systems in Developing Countries: Issues and Options," IZA Policy Papers 59, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Barrientos, Armando & Gorman, Mark & Heslop, Amanda, 2003. "Old Age Poverty in Developing Countries: Contributions and Dependence in Later Life," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 555-570, March.
    3. Nanak Kakwani & Hyun H. Son & Richard Hinz, 2006. "Poverty, Old-Age and Social Pensions in Kenya," Working Papers 24, International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth.
    4. repec:ilo:ilowps:392059 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Roddy McKinnon, 2006. "The Role and Nature of Non-Contributory Social Security in the Design of Social Protection Strategies for Older People in DCs," Working Papers id:525, eSocialSciences.
    6. Barrientos, Armando, 2003. "What Is the Impact of Non-Contributory Pensions on Poverty? Estimates from Brazil and South Africa," Development Economics and Public Policy Working Papers 30556, University of Manchester, Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM).
    7. Loumrhari, Ghizlan, 2016. "Pensions sociales et réduction de la pauvreté. Le cas du Maroc [Social pensions and reduction of the poverty. The case of Morocco]," MPRA Paper 74076, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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