Support for Economic Reform? Popular Attitudes in Southern Africa
Journal Article
2003
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
World Development
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
Do ordinary people support programs of economic reform? If so, why? If not, why not? This article breaks new ground by reporting and comparing public opinion from seven Southern African countries based on systematic Afrobarometer surveys. It finds that people support some adjustment policies (such as price reforms) but oppose others (such as institutional reforms). An eclectic explanation is offered for these attitudes that draws on structural factors (especially poverty), cultural values (such as self-reliance), and exposure to mass media. The most formative influence on mass economic opinion in Southern Africa, however, is the institutional legacy of settler colonialism as expressed through race and nation.
Description
Reference:
Bratton, M., & Mattes, R. (2003). Support for economic reform? Popular attitudes in Southern Africa. World Development, 31(2), 303-323.