Political economy analysis (PEA) of Social Protection in South Africa

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Political economy analysis (PEA) of Social Protection in South Africa

Politics, Governance and Development policy course

Essay title: Political economy analysis (PEA) of Social Protection in South Africa

Suggested essay structure:

1. 1.      Introduction; (200 words approx.)
2. Macro / national level analysis; (400 words approx.)
3. 3.      Sectoral analysis; (The main part) (800- words approx.)
4. 4.      Policy implications and recommendations. (600 words approx.)
5. 5.      Conclusion (200 words approx.)

Total number of words must not be more than 2200 words!

Marking criteria:

1. 1.      Understanding of theory / concepts (`good governance` agenda; clientelism; developmental states);
2. Links between macro/national and sectoral analysis;
3. Treatment of evidence;
4. Links between PEA and policy implications;
5. Clarity of argumentation;
6. Breadth of reading (reference and discuss your sources!).

Assignment task:

You are a consultant recently hired by a bilateral aid agency to produce a political economy analysis to guide programming for overseas development assistance. The aid agency is interested in investing in a range of sectors: social sectors such as education, health and social protection; natural resource governance; environmental policy; women’s empowerment; and governance reform. You will need to choose ONE sector (Social Protection sector) and ONE country (South Africa) that will be the focus of your analysis.

You have been tasked with producing a succinct discussion paper based on DFID’s Drivers of Change framework. This paper should:

• Identify the Drivers of Change (structures, institutions and actors) that shape prospects for progress in the sector in your country; and
• make a small range of recommendations regarding the next steps that the agency should take to think and work politically in the particular sector in the country.

Your report should draw on academic sources but may be synthesised with more recent media reports of trends and important issues where necessary. All sources should be fully referenced.