Ethnic Fragmentation and Economic Institution Building - Ngos in Struggle for Political Influence and Mobile Resources

Abstract

Economic and social sets of human rights have been defined primarily as individual rights. The individual and methodological individualism are basic assumptions of Western economic theory. History and recent experience, however, provide numerous examples which show that the individual is profoundly influenced by his or her group identity. If we accept that individuals are defined by their group membership we must attend to the effects on the structure and functioning of economic institutions and organizations; and of course on institutional change. This examines the neglected interaction between central economic institutions and social plurality or fragmentation. It discuses some historical examples as well as methodological and theoretical questions.

Keywords: Ethnic Fragmentation, violence, economics

JEL Classification: D74