Economic Policy and Human Rights: Holding Governments to Account - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184813875X ISBN 13: 9781848138759

Publisher: Zed Books, 2011

Synopsis

Economic Policy and Human Rights presents a powerful critique of three decades of neoliberal economic policies, assessed from the perspective of agreed upon human rights norms. In doing so, it brings together two areas of thought and action that have hitherto been separate: progressive economics concerned with promoting economic justice and human development; and human rights analysis and advocacy. Focusing on in-depth comparative case studies of the USA and Mexico and looking at issues such as public expenditure, taxation, and international trade, the book shows that heterodox economic analysis benefits greatly from a deeper understanding of a human rights framework. This is something progressive economists have often been skeptical of, regarding it as overly individualistic, not grounded in an understanding of economic issues, or too deeply entrenched in "Western" norms, discourses, and agendas. While such criticisms have some validity, the categorical rejection of the human rights framework is unwarranted. Instead, they can provide an invaluable ethical and accountability framework, challenging a narrow focus on efficiency and growth. This is a vital book for anyone interested in human rights and harnessing economics to create a better world.

About this title

About the Author

Radhika Balakrishnan is Professor of Women and Gender Studies and Executive Director of the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University. Diane Elson is Professor in the Department of Sociology and a Member of Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex.

Review

'Economists have long struggled to find frameworks for integrating concerns of justice with economic policy formation. This refreshingly novel approach to assessing the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy offers a timely alternative lens that identifies human well-being as the main guidepost. Its most striking achievement lies in clearly delineating the linkages between human rights and macroeconomic policies, providing a tool to hold governments accountable to their human rights commitments.' - Stephanie Seguino, University of Vermont 'An insightful exploration of the relationship between human rights and economic policies. This book asks how we should evaluate economic policies in the light of the human rights commitments that states have signed up to, and offers practical tools for assessing the justice of alternative economic policy choices. In the current economic climate, the messages and frameworks for analysis should be taken seriously by policy makers and their advisors. For activists and advocacy groups, it offers the language to counter economic policy choices that undermine progress towards the realization of rights.' - Sarah Cook, Director, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development 'Recommended reading for anyone committed to social and economic justice.' - Ceasefire

About this edition

• Publisher: Zed Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 184813875X
• ISBN 13: 9781848138759
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272
• Editor: Balakrishnan Radhika, Elson Diane