New Perspectives on Structural Change: Causes and Consequences of Structural Change in the Global Economy

This edited volume provides a comprehensive overview of the major debates on the role of structural change in economic development. The book begins by recounting the intellectual history of the notion of structural change, providing a critical overview of the arguments that link structural change to growth and development, before outlining the main historical trends in structural change and structural transformation to build an empirical base for the assessment and analysis of structural change. This analysis lays the foundation for an analysis of the drivers and determinants of structural change, with factors including technological change, changes in demand, trade, policy, class interests, and pressure groups being considered. The final part of the book contributes to recent debates on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, income distribution, and the environment. Whether development benefits all members of society in a fair way is one of the most important issues in the development debate, with this volume contributing to the analysis of how structural change affects the inclusiveness and sustainability of socio-economic development.