Publication

This paper examines possible gaps between macroeconomic policies, social policies and social policy outcomes. It explores gaps between the intended and unintended outcomes of social policies and the social forces that impact on them. The author shows that variations in social development outcomes demonstrate the importance of human agency in mitigating the negative impacts of a debilitating policy environment. The paper concludes with reasons to rethink social policy in sub-Saharan Africa, moving beyond neoliberal policy and based on normative concerns including inclusivity, development and democracy.