Introduction: social policy, economic growth and developmental welfare

Abstract

Although the notion of developmental welfare is not new, it is only in recent times that its central premises have again attracted attention in social policy circles. Since developmental welfare offers an opportunity to challenge the neo‐liberal claim that social expenditures harm the economy, and that economic development requires retrenchments in state welfare, more information about this approach is needed. This article discusses the developmental welfare approach with reference to neo‐liberalism's current hegemonic influence on social policy. It traces the historical evolution of developmental welfare, discusses its theoretical implications and outlines its practical proposals.

Can Integrated Infrastructure Investment Plans Contribute to More Effective Public Spending? The Case of Mozambique

“…Development planning in its new, more inclusive, forms also offers a mechanism through which to encompass the social, environmental, and political dimensions of development (Midgley and Tang 2001;Nunan et al 2012) in addition to economic issues of growth and the distribution of wealth and income.…”

Risks and Vulnerabilities of Children in Zambia: Mooting Responsive Social Protection Interventions

“…These measures were intended to address reduction of subsidies on food, fuel and other essential commodities and retrenchments in public employment, among other things (Townsend, 2000). However, poverty levels in these countries increased during the structural adjustment era (Midgley & Tang, 2001), partly owing to massive losses of jobs. Although the social risk management (SRM) framework has several functions, it mainly focuses on averting and alleviating risk.…”

A Content Analysis of the South African National Drug Master Plan: Lessons for Aligning Policy With Social Development

“…In the study that this article is reporting on, Geyer (2012:53-59) demarcated ten dimensions, with associated themes and features, to outline a social development perspective for drug policy in South Africa. The dimensions, based on an in-depth literature review of the theoretical concept of "social development", are as follows: capital development, innovation, integrated service-delivery strategy, intervention by social service professionals, levels of service delivery, mandate, partnerships/welfare pluralism, principles, rights-based approach and target groups (compare Burke & Harrison, 2009;DSD, 2006DSD, , 2008Gray, 2002;Green & Nieman, 2003;Ife, 2001;Lombard, 2009Lombard, , 2008Lombard, , 2005Lombard, , 2003MacGregor, 1999;Mayadas & Elliott, 2001;Midgley, 2010Midgley, , 1995Midgley & Tang, 2001;Ministry of Welfare and Population Development, 1997;Noyoo, 2005;Patel, 2005;Patel & Hochfeld, 2008;Patel & Selipsky, 2010;Payne, Adams & Dominelli, 2009;Reynecke, 2006;Sherraden, 2009). These dimensions, with the associated themes and features, provided a comprehensive exposition of social development which formed the theoretical framework of this study.…”