Two articles on economics from leading development economists, one from the last century and another from our times, show the state of economics and the direction it should take if it is to help solve our problems, rather than simply becoming an ideological battleground.
Getting the world to act on climate change is in India’s interests, yet the country has avoided action of its own. This can be explained by the realities of international negotiation. But amid mounting pressure for a global policy framework, what are the steps India should move the agenda in its favor?
Natasha argues for pragmatism in this debate. While there may be a theoretical case for public education, there is no inherently better model. Universal public education, as a value, should not interfere with choosing whatever works best in a given situation. Let the perfect not be the enemy of the good.
Liberal economists suggest our public schools are terrible, and private schools are the answer. Yet, sufficient evidence exists that public schools are, in many cases, even better than private ones.
The failure of India’s primary education system deserves a solution. Yet, privatization is neither necessary, nor sufficient, and cannot be embarked upon without debating the desired balance between quality and equity.