From poverty to power - Oxfam-Québec

FROM POVERTY TO POWERNeoclassicaleconomicsPastoralismRemittancesRights-basedapproachSmall andmedium-sizedenterprisesSocial capitalSocial protectionAn approach to economics, frequently embraced byinstitutions such as the World Bank and theInternational Monetary Fund, that relates supply anddemand to the ability of individuals to maximiseutility or profit. Typically based on mathematicalmodelling, it is often criticised for its reliance onhypothetical assumptions that fail to take account ofcomplex human behaviour in the real world.Pastoral agriculture is based on the raising of animalssuch as cattle, camels, goats, and sheep, which typicallyrepresent the pastoralist’s main economic resource.Pastoralism is found in many forms in different partsof the world, but commonly includes a mobile aspect,with pastoralists moving (often over long distances)in search of water and fresh pasture, according toseason and environmental conditions.Money sent by migrant workers in foreign countriesback to their families at home. Remittances make asignificant contribution to the economies ofdeveloping countries.An approach to human development that uniteseconomic and social rights with political and civilrights, aiming to build a ‘social contract’ betweenstate and citizen. At its core is the idea that all peopleare of equal dignity and worth, and have naturalrights but also responsibilities towards theircommunities.In developing countries, SMEs typically play a muchmore important role in creating employment (andreinforcing local linkages) for poor people than dotransnational corporations.The social resources that people draw on, includinginformal networks with individuals or institutionssuch as political or civic bodies; membership offormalised groups such as churches; and relationshipsof trust, reciprocity, and exchange.Consists of two components: social assistancetransfers resources to vulnerable groups in the formof pensions, child-support grants, and so on, whilesocial insurance allows individuals and households toprotect themselves against risks by pooling resourceswith others.504