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Measuring development - from the UN’s perspective

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  • Morgan, Mary S.
  • Bach, Maria

Abstract

Recipes for creating development have changed radically since the international community first thought to intervene in such historical processes soon after WWII. During this time, views about how to measure development have also changed dramatically, moving from relatively simple to relatively complex measurement systems. This paper charts these changes using both the oral interview histories and retrospective book accounts given by those involved with the UNDP, and offers an analysis of their ‘political economy of numbers’. Their move from using GNP per head to the SDGs is analysed in terms of the potential performativity of those numbers in prompting development and for creating accountability.

Suggested Citation

  • Morgan, Mary S. & Bach, Maria, 2018. "Measuring development - from the UN’s perspective," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 90557, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:90557
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/90557/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. -, 2014. "A World that Counts: Mobilising the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development," Coediciones, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), number 40319 edited by United Nations.
    2. Miller, Peter, 1990. "On the interrelations between accounting and the state," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 15(4), pages 315-338.
    3. repec:qeh:ophiwp:ophiwp038 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Muez Ali & Laura Mann, 2023. "Misaligned Social Policy? Explaining the Origins and Limitations of Cash Transfers in Sudan," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 54(4), pages 841-869, July.

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    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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