Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Olivera, J H G

Titel

Supply of statistics and choice of economic policies in developing countries

Ist Teil von

• International social science journal, 1976-01, Vol.28 (3), p.493-501

Ort / Verlag

Paris: Unesco

Erscheinungsjahr

1976

Quelle

Sociological Abstracts

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• The supply of economic statistics is generally associated with the degree of economic development of a country; usually the developing rather than the developed countries evidence a lack of statistical data. This situation is due, in part, to a certain primitiveness or backwardness in the actual processes of information production, & to the fact that economic underdevelopment, with its concomitant resource shortages, does not leave much room for production of the same range of statistical data that is possible in developed countries. The emphasis, therefore, should be on quality as opposed to quantity. Particular reference is made to Latin America. The instability of prices in developing countries has definite effects on the quality of statistical data; these effects are studied. The theoretical basis for examination--that in the theory of consumer demand, relative prices within a group of commodities must remain constant in order for that group to be treated as a single commodity--is briefly validated. The association between stability of relative prices & statistical indices is explored. Reasons for instability of relative prices in developing countries are traced to two major causes: (1) low factor-mobility, & (2) variability of exports. A reverse line of causation is also explored which progresses from lack of reliable statistical data to economic instability. Modern economic policies imply greater real costs & more far-reaching risks for developing countries rather than developed countries due to their large statistical requirements. C. Grindle.