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Understanding the Relationship between Institutions and Economic Development: Some Key Theoretical Issues

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  • Ha-Joon Chang

Abstract

The paper tries to improve our understanding on the role of institutions in development by critically examining the current orthodox discourse on institutions and highlighting some of its key problems. After discussing some definitional problems, the chapter examines a number of problems in the orthodox literature arising from the widespread failure to distinguish between the forms and the functions of institution. Then it critically examines the excessive emphasis on property rights in the orthodox literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Ha-Joon Chang, 2006. "Understanding the Relationship between Institutions and Economic Development: Some Key Theoretical Issues," WIDER Working Paper Series DP2006-05, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:dp2006-05
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ha-Joon Chang, 2005. "Globalization, Global Standards, and the Future of East Asia," Global Economic Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(4), pages 363-378.
    2. World Bank, 2002. "World Development Report 2002," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 5984, April.
    3. Bruno S. Frey, 1997. "Not Just for the Money," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1183, June.
    4. Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2001. "The Colonial Origins of Comparative Development: An Empirical Investigation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(5), pages 1369-1401, December.
    5. Chang, Ha-Joon, 2000. "The Hazard of Moral Hazard: Untangling the Asian Crisis," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 775-788, April.
    6. Aron, Janine, 2000. "Growth and Institutions: A Review of the Evidence," The World Bank Research Observer, World Bank, vol. 15(1), pages 99-135, February.
    7. Chang, Ha-Joon & Rowthorn, Robert (ed.), 1995. "The Role of the State in Economic Change," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198289845.
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