Hunger and Public Action (Wider Studies in Development Economics) - Softcover

Dreze, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198283652 ISBN 13: 9780198283652

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA, 1991

Synopsis

Examining the problem of hunger in the modern world and the role public opinion might play in combatting it, Dreze and Sen here provide a coherent perspective on the complex nutritional, economic, social, and political issues involved in the analysis of hunger. They explore famine prevention through a series of case studies in Africa and elsewhere, and discuss the problem of chronic undernourishment. Sen was awarded the second Agnelli Prize for the Ethical Dimension in Advanced Societies in March 1990 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the understanding of the ethical dimension in modern society.

About this title

Review

From the hardback: `If their book has the impact it deserves (and no technical knowledge is needed to understand it), it may save the lives of millions. It is one of the most important contributions to economic thought for many a year.' Financial Times

`magnificent.'Robert Oakeshott, The Political Quarterly

`excellent book' The Economist

`This book, by two of the most eminent modern students of hunger, is wholly and honourably different.' Times Literary Supplement

'This is a book of hope which highlights how action on behalf of people whose lives are marred by persistent hunger, can and is likely to pay off. A book to be read without delay by every Minister of Agriculture - indeed by every government minister whose decisions have anything to do with agriculture.' International Agricultural Development, Nov/Dec, 1990

'An admirable book, the result of careful empirical research. No specialist knowledge of economics is needed to understand it.' William St Clair, Financial Times

'of great interest ... Their conclusions are well argued and extremely well documented with extensive case studies and a list of bibliographical references running to over seventy pages.' Michael Taylor, Crucible, January-March 1991

'This is an extremely rich book that challenges many of the common assumptions about development and international aid. Written in a fluid and highly accessible style, it ranges widely, tackling many issues that are at the centre - or should be at the centre - of the development debate.' Marie Gottschalk, Far Eastern Economic Review

'The book is wide-ranging, sharply analytical, and highly readable ... if governments took enough notice of this book, agencies like Oxfam would not be needed.' Tony Vaux, Emergencies Officer, Oxfam UK and Ireland, Development in Practice, Vol. 1, No.1

'important book ... this marshalling of evidence and arguments is both valuable and formidable ... in a vast and rapidly expanding literature on famine and hunger ... Hunger and Public Action will rapidly become essential reading' Tim Dyson, London School of Economics, Population Studies, 45/1

Synopsis

This study was well-received and widely discussed when it appeared in hardback in 1990. It is devoted to analysis of the enduring problem of hunger in the modern world, and of the role that public action can play in countering it. The book is divided into four parts. The first attempts to provide a coherent perspective on the complex nutritional, economic, social and political issues involved in the causation of hunger and deprivation. The second deals with famine prevention, paying special attention to Africa and India. The third focuses on chronic undernourishment and related deprivations. Parts two and three include a number of case studies of successful public action for the prevention of hunger and famines in various parts of the world. The fourth part of the book draws together the main themes and concerns of the earlier chapters, and provides an integrated view of the role of public action in eliminating hunger.

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198283652
• ISBN 13: 9780198283652
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 392