27th Annual Student Research Conference
The Development Dilemma: A Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Economic Growth in Sub Saharan Africa
Julia M. Wolfe
Dr. Margaret Edwards, Faculty Mentor
The African continent has experienced significantly slower rates of economic growth since the 1970s, when compared to the rest of the world. Development research has offered a plethora of possible explanations and corresponding policy solutions, yet the problem remains. Previous research focused largely on global trends and studied Africa in the context of other developing regions. This study will identify the reasons for stark differences between African countries and determine which factors have led to economic growth in this region. By focusing only on Africa, this analysis also maintains a higher degree of unit homogeneity than earlier comparative studies. The fate of each country can be explained by fixed economic, social, and political conditions, but malleable policies affect growth as well. Using a large-n statistical analysis, this study intends to elucidate our understanding of how both stable and changeable factors influence economic growth in this region.
Keywords: Economic Growth, Development, Sub Saharan Africa
Topic(s):Political Science
Economics
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 209-1
Location: VH 1010
Time: 9:30