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The Fading Developmental State: Growing inequality in Mauritius

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Abstract

The small multi-ethnic island state of Mauritius has made great strides and embraced the notion of equal opportunity for all, although this has not always been translated in practice. This article argues that, while the first wave of structural transformation contributed to economic growth and employment opportunities for citizens, development has not been equitable, especially with respect to Mauritians of African origin. The quest for a second wave of sustainable transformation may not be easy and the country needs to rethink its model of development and ensure that the latter is infused with ethical and human centred governance.

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Additional information

An earlier version of this case-study was prepared for the Africa-wide Conference on ‘Inequalities in the context of Structural Transformation’, which was held in Accra, Ghana, on 28–30 April 2014. The article was commissioned by the Organizing Committee of the Conference. For more information, please visit http://africainequalities.org/conference/.

Explores inequalities in the context of structural transformation in Mauritius (country case study prepared for the Accra Conference on African Inequalities)

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Bunwaree, S. The Fading Developmental State: Growing inequality in Mauritius. Development 57, 578–590 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1057/dev.2015.40

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