Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty

by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo
Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty cover
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  • ID: 7099
  • Added: 2025-12-10
  • Updated: 2025-12-10
  • Reviews: 3
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goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
compelling 4.50

The book offers a fresh perspective on global poverty, challenging conventional wisdom and providing insights into the lives of the poor. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the poor's decision-making processes and the need for tailored solutions.

Poor Economics presents a radical rethinking of how to combat global poverty. The author delves into the daily lives of the poor, highlighting their choices and constraints. They argue that traditional approaches often fail because they do not account for the unique circumstances and behaviors of the poor. The book suggests that a deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for developing effective policies. It is a compelling read that challenges conventional wisdom and offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Quick quotes

    The poor are not just victims of circumstance; they are active decision-makers.

    The book challenges the notion that the poor are irrational or lazy.

    It emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that respect the agency of the poor.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
insightful 4.00

Poor Economics offers a radical rethinking of global poverty, challenging conventional wisdom and proposing innovative solutions. The book is praised for its empirical approach and practical insights, though some critics argue it lacks depth in certain areas.

Poor Economics by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo presents a fresh perspective on global poverty, drawing on extensive field research and economic analysis. The authors challenge traditional assumptions about poverty and offer practical, evidence-based solutions. They argue that the poor are not irrational actors but make decisions based on their unique circumstances and constraints. The book is commended for its empirical rigor and actionable recommendations, which could significantly impact poverty alleviation efforts. However, some reviewers note that the book could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of certain topics, such as the role of institutions and governance in perpetuating poverty. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the field of development economics, offering both theoretical insights and practical strategies for addressing global poverty.

Quick quotes

    The authors argue that the poor are not irrational actors but make decisions based on their unique circumstances and constraints.

    The book is commended for its empirical rigor and actionable recommendations, which could significantly impact poverty alleviation efforts.

    However, some reviewers note that the book could benefit from a more nuanced discussion of certain topics, such as the role of institutions and governance in perpetuating poverty.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com · Unknown · 2025-12-19
informative 4.00

Poor Economics offers a nuanced perspective on global poverty, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of aid and the behavior of the poor. The book is rich in data and case studies, particularly from India and Africa, and provides valuable insights into the complexities of poverty alleviation.

Poor Economics is a comprehensive exploration of the lives of the poor, offering a balanced view of the challenges and potential solutions to global poverty. The book delves into various aspects such as health, education, investment, and borrowing, providing a ringside view of the daily decisions faced by the poor. It highlights the importance of understanding these decisions to create a world without poverty. The book is filled with data and case studies, primarily from India and Africa, which make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in poverty alleviation. However, the book's focus on these regions might limit its appeal to those looking for insights into other parts of the world, such as the Arab world.

Quick quotes

    هل يجب علينا مساعدة الفقراء من الأساس؟ هناك تيار ينادي بعدم جدوى ذلك. فمساعدتنا لهم تجعلهم أكثر اتكالية وأقل تقديرًا لتلك المساعدات.

    هل يتصرف الفقراء كما ينبغي؟ هل حقًا أغلب تصرفاتهم غير منطقية؟

    هذا بالإضافة إلى العديد من المعلومات المفيدة، مثل تلك المتعلقة بالتمويل متناهي الصغر، ذلك المجال الذي ذاع صيته قبل سنوات حين فاز البنغلاديشي محمد يونس بجائزة نوبل للسلام.

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