Abstract

CHANG, Ha-Joon. The Role of Social Policy in Economic Development: Some Theoretical Reflections and Lessons from East Asia. Economía UNAM [online]. 2007, vol.4, n.11, pp.7-20. ISSN 1665-952X.

Traditionally East Asia has been regarded as "social-policy-free zone". In this paper the author shows how the East Asian countries have used many policies and institutions to address social problems. They have found ways to reduce social conflict and enhance social cohesion. These have contributed to generating high investment and rapid technological progress. For this reason, considering the East Asian experience can open up some new horizons in the discussion of the role of social policy in economic development.