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The Risks to Education Systems from Design Mismatch and Global Isomorphism

Author

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  • Lant Pritchett

    (Center for International Development at Harvard University)

Abstract
The incredibly low levels of learning and the generally dysfunctional public sector schooling systems in many (though not all) developing countries are the result of a capability trap (Pritchett et al. 2010). Two phenomena reinforce persistent failure of schooling systems to produce adequate learning outcomes. One is the mismatch between system design—the allocation of activities across organizations and mechanisms of accountability—and the insights of the 'new institutional economics' from principal agent models and contract theory. In particular, many education systems attempt to manage teaching and learning as a 'thin' or 'logistical' activity that can be managed with top-down control and an emphasis on compliance. The reality is that teaching is a 'thick' or 'implementation intensive' activity that performs better when teachers and operators of schools are given performance standards, have multiple in-depth accountability channels, and are given greater autonomy. The second phenomena that facilitates persistent failure is global isomorphism on enrollment and inputs (Meyer et al. 1977; Boli et al. 1985; Meyer et al. 1997). That is, the field (in the sense of Bourdieu 1993) of global education has produced a near exclusive emphasis on enrollments and duration in school, adequacy of physical inputs, and formal qualifications that allowed, perhaps encouraged, national systems to ignore completely performance on child-learning (of any type, measured in any way). I conclude with a comparison in India of the national governments recent efforts in basic education which have been almost exclusively isomorphic.

Suggested Citation

  • Lant Pritchett, 2014. "The Risks to Education Systems from Design Mismatch and Global Isomorphism," CID Working Papers 277, Center for International Development at Harvard University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cid:wpfacu:277
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Esther Duflo, 2001. "Schooling and Labor Market Consequences of School Construction in Indonesia: Evidence from an Unusual Policy Experiment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(4), pages 795-813, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elacqua, Gregory & Munevar, Isabela & Sanchez, Fabio & Santos, Humberto, 2021. "The impact of decentralized decision-making on student outcomes and teacher quality: Evidence from Colombia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    2. Pritchett, Lant, 2024. "Investing in Human Capital in Africa: A framework for research," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    3. Andrews, Matt & Pritchett, Lant & Woolcock, Michael, 2017. "Building State Capability: Evidence, Analysis, Action," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198747482.
    4. Pritchett, Lant, 2024. "Investing in human capital in Africa: a framework for research," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 123655, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    5. Cordeiro Guerra, Susana & Lastra-Anadón, Carlos Xabel, 2019. "The quality-access tradeoff in decentralizing public services: Evidence from education in the OECD and Spain," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 295-316.
    6. Hossain, Mobarak, 2024. "The mismatch between World Bank actions and the decentralization of educational systems in LMICs," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 121963, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Education; Institutions; Systems;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I25 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Economic Development
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L32 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Public Enterprises; Public-Private Enterprises

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