VoxDev Development Economics
S4 Ep49: The history of cash transfers
Dec 3, 2024
Ugo Gentilini, a lead economist for social protection at the World Bank and author of "Timely Cash," dives into the rich 2,500-year history of cash transfers. He discusses how historical debates illuminate current arguments about social safety nets. Explore ancient roots and their impact on modern welfare systems. Gentilini highlights the persistent themes of poverty and inequality, underscoring the importance of adapting cash transfers to address contemporary challenges like climate change and migration.
37:46
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Quick takeaways
- The historical context of cash transfers reveals that debates about their effectiveness and implementation date back over 2,500 years.
- Framing poverty as a structural issue rather than individual failings broadens the rationale and potential for cash transfer initiatives.
Deep dives
The Historical Evolution of Cash Transfers
Cash transfers have a long and diverse history, extending beyond what many may expect. Research indicates that various societies have employed cash assistance mechanisms for over 2,500 years, revealing that many designs and debates we face today have historical precedents. For instance, the early cash transfer program in Rome distinguished between able-bodied individuals and those unable to work. Such historical examples illustrate that contemporary cash transfers often mirror past practices, raising the question of why similar debates about their effectiveness persist over time.
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