Alumni

This thesis builds on the existing literature that investigates the determinants of social protection and assesses the extent to which the quality of institutions and people’s preferences influence the allocation, the type and the quality of implementation of social protection programmes with particular focus on developing countries. To answer the research question both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Findings from the quantitative analysis conducted on 80 high- low- and middle-income countries confirm the positive contribution of institutional factors and people’s preferences to the level of expenditure in social protection. The qualitative case studies conducted in Nepal and Ethiopia have served to explore at local levels how institutions and people’s preferences affect the provision and quality of implementation of social protection interventions. The case studies show that better performing institutions, effective community structures, and better citizens’ involvement are key factors in the delivery of social protection programmes. Overall, the dissertation confirms that the determinants of social protection go beyond financial affordability and political commitment, although they remain key factors in determining the shape and size of social protection programmes. The quality of institutions and people’s preferences play an important role and should be carefully considered in any analytical framework of social protection, and during the inception and implementation of social protection policies and programmes.

Selected publications by Vincenzo Vinci