Social policy learning inside the World Bank: The case of multi‐pillar pension reform. (21st March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heneghan, Martin
• Is Part Of: Social policy & administration. Volume 56:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 827
• Page End: 842
• Publication Date: 2022-03-21
• Subjects: Social policy -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; 361.6105
• DOI: 10.1111/spol.12809
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-5596

Abstract

Abstract: This paper analyses the process of policy learning that has taken place inside the Social Protection and Labor Department of the World Bank after the large‐scale abandonment of its flagship pension programme. It draws on a set of elite interviews with present and former senior policy actors at the World Bank, alongside other key transnational actors to assess the Bank's response. It utilises the policy learning literature, in particular Hall's (1993) policy paradigm approach, to analyse the scope of learning that has been undertaken. The analysis shows that policy learning is a central activity within the Social Protection and Labor Department. From the moment the World Bank entered the pensions field in 1994, it continually updated its policy advice as a result of 'rational updating' (Blyth, 2013) or first and second order change (Hall, 1993). However, after the global economic crisis, the dominance of the Bank in the field waned, which opened it up to new ideas and rival paradigms. This has led to a policy conversion at the World Bank. Whilst not fully abandoning its pension model from the 1990s, it now emphasises the role of public pensions and poverty relief with less of a focus on funding and sustainability. The paper argues this change borders on paradigmatic change at the Bank. It has led to a closer working relationship with the International Labour Organization as both organizations focus on the issue of pensions coverage.