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World Bank influence on policy implementation in education: A systematic review

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  • Edwards, D. Brent
  • Caravaca, Alejandro
  • Torras, Núria

Abstract

This systematic literature review identifies the modes of the World Bank’s participation in the implementation of education policies and analyzes the factors that contribute to a lack of implementation fidelity. The results show how the World Bank’s participation takes multiple forms, including policy design and the use of conditionalities, the provision of technical assistance, and the evaluation of implemented policies or programs. Factors identified that contribute to the emergence of implementation infidelity include the existence of government personnel beyond the control of the World Bank and contextual insensitivity in project design. Results are analyzed and discussed using the ‘global-local conditions of possibility’ approach from policy sociology.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwards, D. Brent & Caravaca, Alejandro & Torras, Núria, 2025. "World Bank influence on policy implementation in education: A systematic review," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:injoed:v:115:y:2025:i:c:s0738059325000616
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2025.103263
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Edwards Jr., D. Brent & Victoria Libreros, Julián Antonio & Martin, Pauline, 2015. "The geometry of policy implementation: Lessons from the political economy of three education reforms in El Salvador during 1990–2005," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 28-41.
    2. Mundy, Karen & Verger, Antoni, 2015. "The World Bank and the global governance of education in a changing world order," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 9-18.
    3. Mark Evans & Sultan Barakat, 2012. "Post-war reconstruction, policy transfer and the World Bank: the case of Afghanistan's National Solidarity Programme," Policy Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(6), pages 541-565.
    4. Edwards, D. Brent, 2019. "Shifting the perspective on community-based management of education: From systems theory to social capital and community empowerment," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 17-26.
    5. Willy McCourt, 2018. "Lost in translation: The World Bank and the Paris Declaration," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(6), pages 649-668, October.
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