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on South East Asia |
| By: | Abrigo, Michael R.M.; Lingatong, Edmar E.; Relos, Charlotte Marjorie L. |
| Abstract: | The Philippines has one of the highest school bullying rates in the world. While its nature, causes, and impacts are well-documented in the international literature, local evidence remains limited and at times conflicting. This study assesses the contribution of bullying exposure to student achievement in a large-scale international student assessment and infers its potential long-term implications. Differences in bullying exposure explain around 0.05 standard deviations of the gap in average student achievement between proficient and nonproficient students, which could potentially cost the Philippines around PHP 10–20 billion annually in foregone economic activity. Important risk factors for being the “most bullied” around the world are also documented, along with highlighting spatial disparities in bullying risks. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | school bullying;basic education;learning loss;learning achievement;small area estimate;machine learning |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-45 |
| By: | Serafica, Ramonette B.; Tabuga, Aubrey D.; Baino, Madeleine Louise S. |
| Abstract: | This paper aims to explore ownership networks of publicly listed financial institutions in the Philippines. It covers the second phase of a research project on financial networks and builds on the analyses conducted in Tabuga et al. (2024), which aims to provide an understanding of the underlying network structure that may influence financial sector development and stability in the Philippines. The current paper further expounds on the connections examined in the first paper—focusing on the extent of financial institutions’ networks in other sectors and assessing the roles of connections within the network. In this report, the network illustrating ownership and investment relationships has been expanded to include entities with relatively smaller shares, emphasizing the possible importance of weaker ties. By identifying the sectors and subsectors of nodes in the network, this paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of the extent of the network of the country’s publicly listed financial institutions. Furthermore, it seeks to draw insights that may be valuable for policy formulation and financial supervision/regulation. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | ownership networks;publicly listed financial institutions;financial networks;network structure;investment relationships;inter-sector connections;network analysis |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-46 |
| By: | Carlos, Jean Clarisse T.; Baladjay, Deryk Matthew N. |
| Abstract: | This study examines the interplay between Asia-Pacific geopolitics and the Philippines' critical industries, focusing on telecommunications, energy, mining, and digital infrastructure. Utilizing a Philippine-centric lens, it explores how geopolitical tensions—particularly between the U.S. and China—affect industry-specific vulnerabilities and value chains. Drawing from qualitative data, including key informant interviews across APEC economies, the research highlights the strategic importance of multilateral cooperation, trade diversification, and policy harmonization within APEC. It integrates World-Systems theory to analyze the systemic impacts of geopolitical dynamics and proposes actionable strategies for bolstering industry resilience while aligning with regional and global development goals. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | critical industries;geopolitics;Asia-Pacific;APEC;Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-49 |
| By: | Francisco, Kris A. |
| Abstract: | The Philippine government historically underinvested in transport infrastructure, but this began to change a few decades ago when the country's financial position became relatively more favorable. The immense need to fast-track transport infrastructure investments is driven mainly by two pressure points: (1) the accumulated gap in transport infrastructure due to years of neglect and (2) the country's sustained economic growth, which has further increased the demand for public infrastructure. This study provides a characterization and analysis of the government’s strategy to intensify its spending on transport infrastructure by examining relevant statistics and public documents. It traces the government’s progress in addressing the public infrastructure backlog. The analysis covers the years 2000 to the present, during which administrations have vowed to intensify government spending on physical infrastructure. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | transport infrastructure;development plans;budget allocation |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-51 |
| By: | Seftyono, Cahyo |
| Abstract: | COVID-19 saat ini sudah dianggap bukan ancaman di banyak negara (WHO, 2023). Di Indonesia sendiri, bahaya COVID-19 seolah sudah hilang dengan mulai dihapuskannya aturan terkait Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat atau PPKM. Presiden menyatakan menghapus PPKM melalui Instruksi Mendagri nomor 50 dan 51 tahun 2022 (Setneg, 2022). Namun demikian proses hingga munculnya penghapusan kebijakan PPKM dan kembalinya kita kepada era baru pasca-COVID-19 dimulai dari beragam tantangan penanganan pandemi. Kondisi yang saat ini kita hadapi berbeda dengan kondisi sebelum pandemi. Secara global penanganan pandemi COVID-19 dapat dikategorisasi menjadi dua pendekatan besar. Pendekatan yang pertama adalah peran negara yang semakin dominan atau otoriter (Manson, 2020) sebagaimana yang ada terjadi di Tiongkok (Hu dan Sidel, 2020) dan Vietnam (Taniguchi, 2022). Pendekatan yang kedua adalah dengan pendekatan yang demokratis (Kavanagh dan Singh, 2020). Pendekatan ini yang secara umum dilakukan oleh mayoritas negara di dunia dengan kapasitas masing-masing sebagaimana yang kemudian dimunculkan dalam pemeringkatan penanganan pandemi oleh The Lowy Institute dari Australia pada 2021 dan juga hasil kajian Jamison dkk pada 35 negara dari berbagai benua kecuali Afrika (2020). Meskipun terdapat dua corak pendekatan, sejatinya yang terjadi adalah dinamika pengarusutamaan sains dalam penanganan pandemi sesuai kapasitas masing-masing negara. Negara-negara dengan pilihan pendekatan otoriter, tetap saja menggunakan basis-basis saintifik dalam merespon pandemi. Pun demikian dengan negara yang memilih untuk berlaku demokratis, mereka juga menjadikan sains sebagai dasar respon pandemi. Dengan mengangkat penanganan pandemi COVID-19 di Indonesia yang diperkuat dengan data lapangan dari Kota Depok dan Kota Surakarta , artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengelaborasi bagaimana sains dan politik membentuk pilihan-pilihan kebijakan. |
| Date: | 2023–12–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:9uyfe_v1 |
| By: | Melad, Kris Ann M. |
| Abstract: | This research harmonizes Philippine Census of Population and Housing (CPH) data from 1970 to 2020 to address data consistency challenges across five decades. The study systematically reconciles evolving variable definitions, classification systems, and measurement scales to create a unified longitudinal dataset. Key harmonization challenges include accommodating changes in the education system, such as the K-12 reforms, tracking modifications to administrative boundaries over the years, managing the expanding data scope across census years, and addressing historical data preservation issues, particularly for the 1970 and 1980 censuses. The research involved the creation of translation tables and crosswalks for major classification systems, including the Philippine Standard Geographic Classification (PSGC), Philippine Standard Occupational Classification (PSOC), and Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC). Variable-specific harmonization protocols and guidelines for researchers using the harmonized data are also documented. The harmonization process standardized core demographic variables across all periods while preserving more detailed classifications where possible, though some variables necessarily lost granularity when harmonized to their lowest common denominator. Beyond producing a consistent dataset for longitudinal analysis, this study contributes to PIDS's agenda of strengthening statistical systems for evidence-based policymaking. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving future census data collection and harmonization practices to support effective policy development in the Philippines. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | census;data harmonization;variable standardization;data translation;Philippine Statistical System |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-44 |
| By: | Madrigal Correa, Alma Lucia; Cuesta Leiva, Jose Antonio; Somerville, Sergio Patrick |
| Abstract: | This article explores the links between conflict, land and indigenous peoples in several regions of Mindano, the Philippines, notorious for their levels of poverty and conflict. The analysis takes advantage of the unprecedented concurrence of data from the most recent, 2020, census; an independent conflict data monitor for Mindanao; and administrative sources on ancestral land titling for indigenous peoples in the Philippines. While evidence elsewhere compellingly links land titling with conflict reduction, a more nuanced story emerges in the Philippines. Conflicts, including land- and resource-related conflicts, are generally less likely in districts (barangays) with higher shares of indigenous peoples. Ancestral domain areas also have a lower likelihood for general conflict but a higher likelihood for land-related conflict. Ancestral domains titling does not automatically solve land-related conflicts. When administrative delays take place (from cumbersome bureaucratic processes, insufficient resources and weak institutional capacity), titling processes may lead to sustained, rather than decreased, conflict. |
| Date: | 2024–02–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10700 |
| By: | Ablaza, Christine Marie Jimenez; Alladi, Vinayak; Pape, Utz Johann |
| Abstract: | Indonesia has made remarkable economic progress since the Asian Financial Crisis. To sustain its growth and achieve high-income status by 2045, it needs to address the long-standing challenge of informality. Doing so will require a coordinated policy approach informed by robust empirical evidence on the underlying causes and consequences of informality. This paper contributes to this agenda by reviewing the state of knowledge on the informal economy in Indonesia. The study focuses on three key areas of relevance to future policies on informality, namely: (1) key definitions and measures, (2) existing data sources, and (3) findings from previous research. The paper identifies remaining gaps in the existing data and empirical literature and uses this to construct an agenda for future work on the subject. |
| Date: | 2023–11–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10608 |
| By: | Casimiro, June Ann J.; Romualdo, Karenina B.; Santiago, Via Shane R. |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the innovation strategies of cultural micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern and Central Luzon, Philippines, operating within the domain of traditional cultural expressions, particularly traditional crafts and culinary crafts. These enterprises play a dual role in preserving cultural heritage and contributing to local economic development. As cultural and creative industries (CCIs) gain increasing recognition for their economic and social contributions, cultural MSMEs in developing regions face unique challenges. Through a qualitative case study approach involving nine MSMEs, the research explores innovations in products, processes, and business models. It also examines the motivations driving these innovations, barriers encountered, and opportunities for enhancing sustainability and competitiveness. Findings reveal that cultural entrepreneurs innovate to ensure economic viability, preserve cultural heritage, empower communities, and leave a lasting legacy. Their strategies respond to evolving consumer preferences, seek to expand market reach, and aim to modernize operations while maintaining the authenticity of their cultural products. However, challenges such as succession planning, diminishing artisanal skills, and limited access to financial resources constrain their capacity to scale, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive in both local and global markets. The study identifies key innovation strategies, including product and process diversification, technology integration, strategic marketing, and stakeholder collaboration. Many MSMEs adopt hybrid production models, blending traditional craftsmanship with mechanized processes to enhance efficiency without undermining cultural value. Partnerships with government agencies, universities, and private entities emerge as critical to fostering innovation ecosystems that support cultural entrepreneurship. Despite these efforts, significant barriers persist. The declining interest of younger generations in traditional crafts threatens the continuity of artisanal skills, compounded by the absence of formal training programs. Limited financial resources further hinder growth and modernization, restricting the ability of MSMEs to compete effectively. To address these challenges, the study advocates for a collaborative approach involving policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to create an enabling environment for innovation and sustainability. Such a framework must include targeted support for skills development, financial accessibility, and market expansion. This research emphasizes the essential role of cultural MSMEs within the traditional cultural expressions domain and their contribution to the broader CCI ecosystem. It offers actionable insights for addressing structural barriers and leveraging opportunities to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of these enterprises. By empowering cultural MSMEs, the Philippines can preserve its rich cultural heritage while fostering economic growth and social development. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | entrepreneurship;MSMEs;culture;creative industries;innovation;strategy;cultural entrepreneurship;cultural and creative industries;CCI |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-48 |
| By: | Hapsari, Indira Maulani; Shu Yu; Pape, Utz Johann; Mansour, Wael |
| Abstract: | Informality is a multidimensional development challenge with features that potentially differ across workers, firms, and countries. This paper first briefly summarizes the literature, discusses the multiple existing definitions of informality, and adapts the cross-country analytical framework on informality to the context of Indonesia. It then uses several novel datasets and a range of modeling approaches to capture the levels and trends of both output and employment informality in Indonesia. It further contributes to the existing literature by estimating informality in Indonesia at the regional, provincial, and sectoral levels. Those estimates were then benchmarked to the levels, trends, and features of the informal sector in emerging markets and developing economies to examine whether the major features of the informal sector in Indonesia deviate from those observed in other emerging markets and developing economies. The paper finds that despite the declining trend, both output and employment informality remain elevated and broadly above the comparator countries in the region. Informality in Indonesia is mostly concentrated in agriculture and low-skilled services and is associated with higher poverty at the provincial level. There also appear to be productivity, education, and salary gaps between formal and informal workers. Moreover, markets are not segregated as informal firms compete strongly with formal ones. Finally, informality seems to pose macroeconomic challenges as tax efforts and financial sector depth remain below the averages for emerging markets and developing economies. |
| Date: | 2023–10–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10586 |
| By: | Gutierrez, Eylla Laire M.; Rueda, Diana |
| Abstract: | For years, women’s involvement in entrepreneurial activities has been widely advocated as part of economic development agendas. This is evidenced by numerous initiatives, projects, and roadmaps that promote women's integration into economic activities through entrepreneurship. Underpinning these efforts is the assumption that women's active participation in economic activities leads to improved well-being and empowerment. While this is an essential step toward improving women’s conditions, the realities are more complex. Beyond the economic contributions of such entrepreneurial activities, other facets—such as psychological, social, and political dimensions—also need to be considered. This study primarily addresses the question: “How does women’s engagement in micro-enterprising facilitate their own and their communities’ human flourishing and empowerment?” More specifically, it examines the critical role of sari-sari stores in the socio-economic landscape of the Philippines, with a particular focus on their contributions to community development and women's flourishing and empowerment. While sari-sari store owners often face financial constraints, this research highlights a significant relationship between micro-entrepreneurship, human flourishing, and empowerment. Through the analysis of the Flourishing Index, Secured Flourishing Index measures, and the Empowerment Model, the findings reveal that women sari-sari store owners exhibit high levels of well-being, empowerment, optimism, and resilience, despite limited economic prosperity. The study further explores how sari-sari stores serve not only as micro-retail enterprises but also as platforms for fostering individual and social well-being. The owners demonstrate psychological and social empowerment through the ownership of sari-sari stores, while economic and political empowerment is still a work in progress. The results suggest that women, through the ownership of sari-sari stores, achieve individual well-being while also extending that well-being to their communities. Thus, this study offers a nuanced perspective on the significance of sari-sari stores, not just for the economic development of communities but also for the individual and social well-being of their women owners. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | microentrepreneurship;female leadership;women empowerment;human flourishing |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-50 |
| By: | Ridlo, Ilham Akhsanu (Universitas Airlangga) |
| Abstract: | This commentary article explores the complex relationship between journalism, health policy, and political campaigning in Indonesia that merits deepening as a scholarly endeavor. The paper highlights the important role of journalism in informing public discourse and decision-making on health policy while recognizing the challenges posed by misinformation and the erosion of public trust in the media. The paper discusses how journalism (digital and social media) has influenced health policy advocacy and public opinion, underscoring the media's impact on health communication campaigns and policy reform. By analyzing the various roles of (media) journalism as a health policy advocate, the article shows how journalism serves as a bridge between health policy experts and the public, facilitating a more informed democratic engagement with health policy. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of fostering a relationship between journalism that upholds democratic values and health policy advocacy to promote public health priorities in Indonesia. |
| Date: | 2024–02–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:tkfcx_v1 |
| By: | Vuving, Alexander |
| Abstract: | This article examines how Vietnam has responded to the Russia-Ukraine war, how the war has impacted Vietnam’s foreign policy, and why Hanoi has behaved the way it has. It is organized into three major sections. The first discusses the impact of the Ukraine war on Vietnam’s strategic environment and grand strategy. It also outlines the broad contour of Vietnam’s grand strategy and identifies major possible directions along which Hanoi may steer its course in the future. The second section examines Russia’s unique role in Vietnam’s strategic calculus and Russian soft power in Vietnam. It also discusses the pre-war developments that strengthened Russia’s role and soft power, thus providing a larger context without which Vietnam’s responses to the war cannot be fully understood. The third section documents Vietnam’s domestic and foreign policy responses to the war. The article argues that although the Russia-Ukraine war has triggered diverse, even opposing, responses from Vietnam’s ruling elite, it has not changed the general direction of Vietnam’s foreign policy because it has not directly and fundamentally affected Vietnam’s quest for security, resources, and identity. However, the war posed moral and strategic dilemmas for Hanoi, tore the web of geopolitical partnerships upon which Vietnam relied to secure its place in the world, and threatened to shake Russia’s unique and critical role in Vietnam’s foreign relations. Hanoi responded by reinforcing the current paradigm of its foreign policy, performing a delicate balancing act between the great powers, and deepening ties with the major powerhouses in its surrounding region. In the long term, however, the costs of this “bamboo diplomacy” may outweigh its benefits. |
| Date: | 2024–05–09 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:e3rf4_v1 |
| By: | Francisco, Kris A. |
| Abstract: | Socialized pricing mechanisms are common in utility services like electricity because these services are critical for daily activities and are therefore considered vital for economic growth. The aim of such mechanisms is to redistribute financial resources from well-off to marginalized consumers. This approach is seen as a way to improve the availability and affordability of essential services, thus enhancing overall social welfare. However, while the rationale for socialized pricing mechanisms is widely accepted, discussions related to funding have induced much debate. Some studies have found that subsidies for electricity end up benefiting middle-income and high-income households instead of the poor, exposing possible targeting issues (Mayer et al. 2015, Trimble et al. 2011, Komives et al. 2009). Motivated by these discussions, this study examines two currently implemented socialized pricing mechanisms in the Philippine Electric Power Industry, namely: (1) the lifeline rate and (2) the senior citizen rate. The analysis employed data from the Household Energy Consumption Survey and the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, which showed that the rules for availing of the discounts are prone to leakages, favoring electricity consumers who can afford to pay their electricity consumption at full price. Some recommendations for addressing implementation issues are presented in this paper. Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph. |
| Keywords: | utility services;electricity;socialized pricing;Philippine Electric Power Industry |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:phd:dpaper:dp_2024-47 |
| By: | Chattha, Muhammad Khudadad; Tyas, Prabaning; Soko, Naranggi Pramudya; Fadilla, Raka Rizky |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the impact of point of sale technology adoption on local tax compliance by firms. The paper exploits administrative data on monthly restaurant and hotel tax payments in the Indonesian districts of West Manggarai and Gorontalo and combines this with information on the point of sales distribution timeline from 2018 to 2022. The findings show that certain point of sales treatments led to a substantial increase in restaurant tax payments, ranging from 55 to 180 percent, while others did not increase tax revenues. The paper discusses the underlying drivers of the results and argues that the effectiveness of point of sales technology is conditional on (i) the devices’ ease of use, (ii) the recipients’ technological aptitude, and (iii) the presence of information accessible by third parties. |
| Date: | 2023–11–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10610 |
| By: | Chee, Liberty (Ca' Foscari University of Venice) |
| Abstract: | This draft contains parts of the conclusion of the book manuscript with the same title as above. The book unpacks the “market logic” of private recruitment and employment agencies as actors in migration governance. It looks into why these actors play such an outsized role in domestic worker migration, and examines their relations with employers, workers and state apparatuses. The book argues that these relations comprise neoliberal migration governance – a governmental rationality that cedes authority to the market. |
| Date: | 2024–04–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:qsyn3_v1 |
| By: | Cho, Yoonyoung; Molina, Teresa Sacro |
| Abstract: | When it comes to mental health, do social protection programs matter more in times of crisis Using panel data from the Philippines around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study compares depression rates among beneficiaries of an existing conditional cash transfer program to those of non-beneficiaries of similar socioeconomic status. Depression rates were almost identical for the two groups in late 2019, but significantly lower for conditional cash transfer beneficiaries by July 2020, after the initiation of strict quarantine measures and a large emergency cash transfer program. One interpretation of the increased importance of the conditional cash transfer program during the pandemic is that these transfers have larger protective effects in times of vulnerability. Another possible reason is that the existing infrastructure of the program, by allowing for more timely distribution of the emergency cash, enhanced the effectiveness of the government’s pandemic response for conditional cash transfer beneficiaries. This paper finds evidence supporting both explanations. |
| Date: | 2024–01–16 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10669 |
| By: | Cameron, Lisa; Contreras Suarez, Diana Stella; Setyonaluri, Diahhadi |
| Abstract: | How to influence social norms that drive behavior in relation to women’s participation in employment is not well understood. Providing randomly selected participants with information on the extent of (i) women’s support for women with children working; (ii) husband’s support for sharing day-to-day childcare with wives; and (iii) mothers’ and mother-in-law’s support for working women, increased the probability of choosing an online career mentoring course for women over a shopping voucher of equal value by 25 percent. Information beyond women’s support for working women further increased support for women working for some groups, although not strongly so. |
| Date: | 2024–01–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10681 |
| By: | Lall, Somik V.; Rajan, Raghuram Govind; Schoder, Christian |
| Abstract: | This paper proposes an objective way of estimating and allocating “differentiated” responsibilities for carbon emissions across countries. These responsibilities translate into specific obligations and incentives for future emission reductions and support for adaptation, mitigation, and development. The proposals in this paper should be seen as a starting point for an informed and productive debate. Under the Global Carbon Reduction Incentive, every country that emits more than the per capita global average pays into a global incentive fund. This annual payment will be calculated based on the “excess” emissions per capita, the country’s population, and a dollar amount called the Global Carbon Incentive. Countries below the global per capita average would receive a payout commensurate with their “under-emission.” The United States and China are the two biggest emitters and, assuming a Global Carbon Incentive of $10, they jointly would contribute more than $70 billion to the fund, from which nations such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia would be the major recipients. An important adjustment to the Global Carbon Reduction Incentive is to focus on consumption rather than production—a country should not avoid responsibility for the carbon it consumes by outsourcing production to another country. The proposal considers that countries that have used more of the collective carbon budget have benefited from the associated development and should pay for it. The proposal also considers methane emissions as well as crediting countries for their efforts toward preventing deforestation. |
| Date: | 2024–04–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10759 |
| By: | Granata, Julia; Posadas, Josefina |
| Abstract: | The coexistence of several definitions of green jobs and measurement instruments gives room for mismatches between those concepts and their application to research questions. This paper first presents an organizing framework for the existing definitions, measurement instruments, and policy frameworks. It then delves into discussing two appropriate approaches for identifying green occupations to guide skills development policy: the task-content and the skills approaches. In the process, it introduces a novel methodology with a dictionary of green terms for identifying green tasks and occupations. This methodology, utilizing text analysis, demonstrates superior performance compared to the well-known O*NET Green Economic Project classification, particularly for developing countries. Lastly, the paper applies this methodology to Indonesia, a middle-income country, and utilizes various data sources to showcase the utility of the dictionary and text analysis exercise. |
| Date: | 2024–04–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10753 |
| By: | Ghorpade, Yashodhan; Abdur Rahman, Amanina Binti; Binti Jasmin, Alyssa Farha |
| Abstract: | The rise of “gig” or digital platform work globally has led to both enthusiasm for its potential to create lucrative employment for large numbers of people, as well as concern about its implications for worker protection that is often provided in more standard employment. While gig work platforms may not be akin to employers in standard work relationships, arrangements that do not obligate them to provide worker protection and social insurance contributions may leave several platform workers unprotected against a range of risks. Is the observed lack of protection among digital platform workers explained by an unwillingness on part of the workers themselves to make necessary contributions for social insurance coverage This paper analyzes this question in the context of Malaysia, a rapidly growing upper-middle-income East Asian economy that has witnessed a rise in gig work in recent years. The paper deploys a novel vignette-based experiment to ascertain gig workers’ willingness to pay for social insurance coverage. The analysis finds overall a large unmet need for social insurance among gig workers, as well as a high level of willingness to pay for (especially) unemployment insurance, retirement savings, and accidental and injury insurance. This implies that the policy challenge is to channel such willingness into regular contributions for social insurance coverage through relevant and flexible options for contributions. More than subsidies, this segment of the workforce could perhaps benefit from better tailored, more flexible, and more easily accessible instruments for social insurance. The analysis also finds evidence of substitution between distinct insurance instruments. For instance, those who have access to retirement savings appear to be less willing to pay for unemployment insurance, and those with private medical insurance are less likely to contribute to the state-run injury insurance scheme. This underlines the need to approach risk insurance for digital platform workers more holistically and to consider a wider range of insurance instruments, including those offered by the private sector. |
| Date: | 2023–12–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10629 |
| By: | Ghorpade, Yashodhan; Binti Jasmin, Alyssa Farha; Abdur Rahman, Amanina Binti |
| Abstract: | The changing nature of work, accelerated by the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in several fundamental shifts in the terms and conditions of work. Along with the clear trend of increased nonstandard employment, including through the gig economy and platform work, this poses critical questions for policies and practices of the organization of work arrangements, and about who may bear the costs of emerging arrangements. This paper explores whether workers in freelancing and standard work arrangements in Malaysia view a trade-off between flexibility and income and are willing to forgo a share of earnings for greater flexibility. The paper deploys a novel discrete choice experiment in which respondents are asked to choose their preferred job from two hypothetical job descriptions with randomly assigned attributes, namely, flexibility and associated earnings. The findings show substantial but not overwhelming preference for greater flexibility, especially among freelancers, and a clear trade-off between measures of flexibility and income. The findings also show considerable variation in the preference for flexibility, much of which is not explained by worker demographics and other observable characteristics but is consistent with other measures of the importance attached to flexibility and earning income. The analysis outlines pathways through which offering even a modicum of flexibility can enhance workers’ utility without necessarily increasing costs for employers, provides evidence of considerable preference heterogeneity, and warns against imposing uniform approaches to (in)flexible work arrangements. |
| Date: | 2023–12–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10630 |
| By: | Yarrow, Noah Bunce; Cahu, Paul Marie Michel; Breeding, Mary E.; Afkar, Rythia |
| Abstract: | This paper reports the views and perceptions of randomly selected education policy makers in the East Asia Pacific region, based on surveys of 651 senior public officials in 14 middle-income countries. The findings show that officials tend to prioritize increasing secondary school completion over improving learning quality, and they severely underestimate learning poverty and do so by a larger margin than officials in other countries. Officials were most likely to cite system capacity as the primary constraint to improving learning. The findings show that officials’ support for gender equality and disability inclusion is high. Interviewed officials tend to oppose violence against students and prefer to invest in in-service teacher training or early-grade reading compared to other options, such as EdTech or inclusion for students with disabilities. This mix of alignment and misalignment between policy makers’ goals and the stated goals of development partners can inform future engagement in policy dialogue, analysis, and information campaigns. |
| Date: | 2023–10–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10591 |
| By: | Valencia, Christian; Janzen, Sarah Ann; Ghorpade, Yashodhan; Abdur Rahman, Amanina Binti |
| Abstract: | This paper conducts a correspondence study to assess demand for soft skills in the context of hiring discrimination in Malaysia. No evidence of gender-based discrimination is found, including in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics occupations. However, in line with previous studies in the same context, there is evidence of ethnic discrimination. The paper then test the relevance of two soft skills: leadership and teamwork. These tests find some evidence that the labor market rewards simple signals of teamwork for the average applicant. Teamwork also plays an important role in the context of labor market discrimination, reducing the discrimination gap by 40 percent. In contrast, signaling leadership skills has no effect. Last, the paper considers the role of labor market competition. Companies facing competition in the labor market, measured by the number of competitors advertising similar positions, are 56 to 66 percent less likely to discriminate. On the supply side, discrimination increases with the relative quality of the pool of applicants. The results provide novel evidence that soft skills and labor market competition both play important roles in understanding hiring discrimination. This underlines potential pathways to overcome labor market discrimination and improve job matching. |
| Date: | 2024–04–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10755 |
| By: | World Bank |
| Abstract: | Environmental degradation is the largest public health challenge of the century and is likely to be exacerbated by climate change. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of the health implications of environmental hazards in Cambodia, simultaneously addressing extreme temperatures, precipitation patterns, and air pollution. It leverages data from the Demographic and Health Surveys and satellite-derived metrics on temperature, precipitation, and fine particulate matter. The analysis identifies a positive association between temperature and the occurrence of diarrhea and cough among children and a nonlinear relationship between precipitation and these health outcomes. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that pollution significantly impacts cough incidence. To anticipate future trends, climate simulations are employed to forecast the incidence of child diarrhea in Cambodia under different climate and development scenarios. The projections indicate that diarrhea incidence could increase to 19 percent by 2040 without significant adaptation measures that would lessen the adverse impact of weather. For instance, the acceleration in toilet ownership over the last decade reduced diarrhea incidence by at least 1.2 to 1.4 percentage points. Nevertheless, the path ahead requires proactive efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene. The forecasts suggest that, without additional strategies to counter climate change’s adverse effects, only universal toilet ownership would contain the climate-driven increase in diarrhe a incidence expected by 2040. |
| Date: | 2024–03–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10715 |
| By: | Broadberry, Stephen (Nuffield College, Oxford); Fukao, Kyoji (Hitotsubashi University); Settsu, Tokihiko (Musashi University) |
| Abstract: | This paper uses recently revised data on Japanese GDP to analyse the process by which Japan caught-up with the West. The new historical national accounts suggest that Japan was more than one-third richer in 1874 than suggested by Maddison, and that the Meiji period growth built on earlier development. We show that (1) despite trend GDP per capita growth during the Tokugawa shogunate, the catching-up process only started after 1890 with respect to Britain, and after World War 1 with respect to the United States and many European nations (2) although catching up was driven by the dynamic productivity performance of Japanese manufacturing, Japanese success in exporting manufactured goods was just as much driven by limiting the growth of real wages (3) despite claims that Japan was following a distinctive Asian path of labour-intensive industrialisation, capital played an important role in the catching-up process. |
| Keywords: | JEL Classification: |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:749 |
| By: | Egamberdiev, Bekhzod; Bobojonov, Ihtiyor; Ren, Yanjun |
| Abstract: | Although women play an important role in developing countries, they face persistent social and economic constraints limiting their inclusivity in household decision-makings. The Asian enigma, the case in which economic growth is not followed by expected improvements in nutritional outcomes, states that women’s low social status is to blame. This paper sheds some light on the issue by studying the linkages between the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) and food security indicators in Tajikistan by using population-based survey in Tajikistan with 2000 households. We apply a latent class approach to represent the relationship between the most disempowering domains and nutritional or food security outcomes. Accordingly, women’s empowerment in the purchase, sale, or transfer of assets has a positive association with improved diet diversity of children. As for food security outcomes, higher women’s empowerment in autonomy in production has a relationship with improved household hunger. Findings clearly indicate that group membership is one of the most promising areas for policy intervention. Precisely, group membership-based women’s empowerment is associated with better diet diversity, decreased number of stunted children and improved household hunger. Considering findings for nutritional outcomes, women’s empowerment and different anthropometric measures have messages for further policy formulations to enhance nutrition-sensitive approaches. |
| Keywords: | Women’s empowerment, food security, latent analysis, hunger |
| JEL: | Q18 O13 P36 E21 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:312281 |
| By: | Valerie A. Ramey |
| Abstract: | This paper re-evaluates the effectiveness of temporary transfers in stimulating the macroeconomy using evidence from four case studies. The rebirth of Keynesian stabilization policy has lingering costs in terms of higher debt paths, so it is important to assess the benefits of these policies. In each case study, I analyze whether the behavior of the aggregate data is consistent with the transfers providing an effective stimulus. Two of the case studies are reviews of evidence from my recent work on the 2001 and 2008 U.S. tax rebates. The other two case studies are new analyses of temporary transfers in Singapore and Australia. In all four instances, the evidence suggests that temporary cash transfers to households likely provided little or no stimulus to the macroeconomy. |
| JEL: | E21 E27 E62 |
| Date: | 2025–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33503 |
| By: | Stacciarini, João Henrique Santana (Federal University of Goiás); Gonçalves, Ricardo Junior de Assis Fernandes |
| Abstract: | The energy transition has driven the rapid expansion of associated technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Although promoted as clean and renewable, these technologies, due to their intrinsic characteristics, rely heavily on minerals for their manufacturing - many of which have recently been classified as critical. This article examines the impact of the significant increase in demand for these minerals. Using the International Renewable Energy Agency’s definition of critical minerals - which includes cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements - we conducted extensive data collection, systematization, and analysis on a global scale to identify the main producing countries and the contexts surrounding their extraction. The results reinforce a historical pattern in which most critical minerals for the energy transition originate from Global South nations, predominantly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In countries where environmental, social, and economic regulations are often more flexible, the profitability of large international corporations is favored. Furthermore, our findings reveal that, in many cases, the extraction of these minerals is linked to severe social, environmental, and economic impacts, ranging from extreme pollution and worker contamination by toxic metals to the financing of militias associated with authoritarian military regimes. These issues, often overlooked in dominant energy transition narratives, deserve greater attention and reflection from both the scientific community and society at large. |
| Date: | 2025–02–16 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:n8m57_v1 |
| By: | Bosker, Maarten; Roberts, Mark; Tiwari, Sailesh; Wibisana, Putu Sanjiwacika; Wihardja, Maria Monica; Yanurzha, Ramda |
| Abstract: | Motorbike-based ride-hailing services are widespread in many of the most congested cities in the developing world. These services often predate the construction of modern public mass rapid transit systems. Ride-hailing services may complement such investments by providing important first and last mile connectivity. However, it has also been argued that they undermine the viability of mass rapid transit systems as people prefer to use ride-hailing services given their convenience and low prices. This paper applies an event study research design to proprietary, high-frequency data from one of Indonesia’s largest ride-hailing services, Gojek. The findings show that the opening of stations on Jakarta’s first mass rapid transit line led to large increases in ride-hailing activity in the immediate vicinities of the stations. This was accompanied by a significant decline in the average distance of ride-hailing trips to and from the station locations. These findings are consistent with ride-hailing services complementing public transport by providing first and last mile connectivity to the newly opened mass rapid transit system. Interestingly, this holds for both commuting and non-commuting trips and is strongest for mass rapid transit station locations that were not already served by Jakarta’s bus rapid transit system. |
| Date: | 2023–12–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10640 |
| By: | Ramachandran, Rajesh (Monash University Malaysia); Rustagi, Devesh (University of Warwick); Emilia Soldani, Emilia (OECD) |
| Abstract: | We investigate whether discrimination by teachers explains the large gap in educational outcomes between students from marginalized and non-marginalized groups. Using the context of India, we start with a correspondence study to show that teachers assign 0.29 standard deviations lower grade to an exam of equal quality but with a lower caste surname. We then conduct incentivized surveys, behavioral experiments, and vignettes to highlight some of the invisible elements that are critical to understanding discrimination. We find that teachers hold biased attitudes and beliefs about lower caste individuals, which are associated with poor grading outcomes. We conduct a mechanism intervention based on invoking empathy among teachers to mitigate discrimination. We find that discrimination disappears in the treatment group, and the effect is largest for teachers with higher baseline empathy. These findings are not due to social desirability. Our findings offer a proof-of-concept to understand mental processes that could be instrumental in designing policies to mitigate discrimination. |
| Keywords: | Discrimination ; Correspondence study ; Caste ; Attitudes ; Beliefs ; Empathy ; India JEL Codes: C90 ; I24 ; J15 ; J16 ; Z13 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wrk:warwec:1545 |