MPA 508 – Discussion Issues February 22, 2012
1. How (if at all) does Chapter 6 “Barefoot Hedge-Fund Managers” inform the current debate about public health care in the U.S.?
2. Banerjee and Duflo argue that the poor cope with inordinate levels of risk. Do Payne’s discussions support this assertion? Explain.
3. If institutions (such as micro-lending) seek security and sustainability, can they help the poor limit risk?
4. Over the past few years some have argued that Social Security should be abandoned in favor of private retirement investment accounts (capable of more lucrative returns). How (if at all) does Chapter 8 ”Saving Brick by Brick” inform that debate?
5. How can NGOs act to protect the poor from the retributive actions of lenders?
6. Below is a diagram you have no doubt seen often—how does it relate to the (reluctant) entrepreneur/jobs issue discussed in Chapter 9? ...human capabilities approaches in general?
7. Distinguish between INSTITUTION and institution. How can a focus on institutions at the margin enable NGOs to work on behalf of the poor?
8. Can we depend upon democracy, decentralization, and participation to advance human rights?
9. Do “the three I’s” bear any relevance on (a) the Fairfield Commons/no bus stop issue or (b) Dayton’s “immigrant-friendly” program?
10. Do Payne’s “hidden rules among classes” relate to the general thrust of Banerjee amd Duflo’s discussions? If so, how?