Systemic influences on the physical quality of life: A Bayesian analysis of cross-sectional data

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1985

Abstract

Is there a difference between capitalist and socialist systems in the provision for basic needs, as measured by Morri's Physical-Quality-of-Life Index? In estimating the systemic influence on PQLI, non-Marxist economists, sociologists, and political scientists, and Marxist scholars as well would control for nonsystemic variables that they deem relevant, but would differ over which variables are relevant. Recognizing this specification uncertainty, the author uses Leamer's techniques to calculate extreme bounds and posterior means for estimates of the systemic influence on PQLI. He finds that for many countries the extreme bounds bracket zero while the posterior means favor socialism. © 1985.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Journal of Comparative Economics

Volume

9

Issue

2

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