Abstract
This independent study project examines the effects of Structural Adjustment Policies of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on political participation in three Central American States. Based on the literature regarding the effects of Structural Adjustment Policies, political trust in government, and types of political participation, I expect to observe increases in non-institutionalized participation and decreases in non-institutionalized participation following the introduction of Structural Adjustment Policies. After a three country case study analysis I find that my hypothesis is not supported. There is no relationship between Structural Adjustment and political participation. What possible effects Structural Adjustment may have on political participation are overshadowed by other variables such as levels of repression and security concerns. This is important for criticisms of conditional lending policies and the continued effectiveness of using economic liberalization to promote political liberalization.
Advisor
Krain, Matthew
Department
International Relations
Recommended Citation
Weiss, Nicholas, "Structural Adjustments Policies on Political Participation: a Central American Case Study Analysis" (2009). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 233.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/233
Publication Date
2009
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2009 Nicholas Weiss