Institutions and Development in Latin America: A Comparative Analysis

Alejandro Portes and Lori Smith
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Alejandro Portes: Princeton University
Lori Smith: Princeton University

No 1029, Working Papers from Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Center for Migration and Development.

Abstract: We review the theoretical literature on the concept of institutions and its relationship to national development, propose a definition of the concept, and advance six hypotheses about institutional adequacy and contributions to national development. We then present results of a comparative empirical study of existing institutions in three Latin American countries and examine their organizational similarities and differences. Employing the qualitative comparative method (QCA) proposed by Ragin, we then test the six hypotheses. Results converge in showing the importance of meritocracy, immunity to corruption, absence of islands of power, and proactivity in producing effective institutions. Findings strongly support Evans' theory of developmental apparatuses.

JEL-codes: F22 O15 R22 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007-12
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pri:cmgdev:wp0801.pdf

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