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What is the standard of care in experimental development economics?

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  • Marcos Picchio

Abstract

A central feature of experimental development economics is the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of prospective socioeconomic interventions. The use of RCTs in development economics raises a host of ethical issues which are just beginning to be explored. In this article, I address one ethical issue in particular: the routine use of the status quo as a control when designing and conducting a development RCT. Drawing on the literature on the principle of standard care in medical research ethics, as well as considerations of distributive justice in non-ideal circumstances, I argue that the practice of using the status quo as a control is ethically justifiable. However, I add an important qualification based on the natural duty of rescue to address the concern that my account is overly permissive.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcos Picchio, 2024. "What is the standard of care in experimental development economics?," Politics, Philosophy & Economics, , vol. 23(2), pages 205-226, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:pophec:v:23:y:2024:i:2:p:205-226
    DOI: 10.1177/1470594X231181655
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