Social investment and social assistance in low- and middle income countries

Social investment figures prominently in the recent expansion of social assistance in low and middle income countries (LMICs). This is grounded on an understanding that poverty is primarily a consequence of low productive capacity. To be effective, social assistance must be designed to support human development and economic inclusion. Relying on a new dataset of Social Assistance in Low and Middle Income Countries (SALMIC), this chapter assesses the social investment orientation of recent social assistance expansion. Classifying programmes according to their design enables the development of appropriate measures of social investment globally and across regions. Their analysis throws light on correlates of social investment reforms, their political salience, and on the role of legacies and institutions.