Journal of Economic and Social Thought

Front Matter

EconSciences Library — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Front Matter

Unravelling the Dynamics of Digital Technology in Crime Prevention: Examining the Mediating Role of Law Enforcement Capacity and Public Trust, and the Moderating Effect of Regulatory Frameworks in Ghana.

Akwasi BOAHENE — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the complex dynamics of how digital technology (DT) affects crime prevention in the Ghana Police Service, examining the mediating roles of law enforcement capacity (LEC) and public trust in law enforcement (PTLE), as well as the moderating effect of regulatory frameworks (RF). Survey data from 380 officers were analysed with PLS-SEM. Results show that, DT alone does not reduce crime; That, its influence flows entirely through LEC. It was further realized that DT enhances capacity of the workers and improved or enhanced capacity in turn cuts crime. This produces a significant full mediation. It was further revealed that PTLE, though positively shaped by the DT usages, does not result in a meaningful mediation effect. RF on the other-hand, negatively moderate the DT to crime path. This points to the fact that recent rules impede technological gains. The study gives a strong signal to policymakers to prioritise training, infrastructure and adaptive regulation over mere gadget procurement. It further challenges theories that assume automatic trust-mediated benefits. Future work should trace these dynamics longitudinally and qualitatively unpack why regulation dampens tech impact.

Keywords. Digital technology; Crime prevention; Law enforcement; Public trust, Regulatory frameworks.

JEL. A11; M10, M03.

Pioneers of Development Economics in the 1940s and 1950s

Henrik EGBERT, Martin HOFFSTADT, Teodor SEDLARSKI, Aleksander B. TODOROV — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Following the Second World War, the economic reconstruction of Europe became a central priority, exemplified by the Marshall Plan, while development in less industrialized countries gained global significance. In the 1940s and 1950s, classical development theories emerged, emphasizing capital accumulation, industrialization, and structural transformation, with the state as a key agent of change. Influential approaches included Rosenstein-Rodan’s Big Push, Nurkse’s Balanced Growth, Hirschman’s Unbalanced Growth, Lewis’s Dual-Sector Model, Prebisch’s Import Substitution Industrialization, Rostow’s Stages of Growth, and Myrdal’s Cumulative Causation and Soft state concepts. This study critically synthesizes the main concepts of these approaches, highlighting shared features such as structuralist orientation, the central role of the state, and the importance of capital and coordination, while noting their neglect of micro-level factors, limited empirical grounding, and assumption of linear growth. Implementation failed due to weak institutions, governance challenges, and regional variation. Nevertheless, enduring insights, such as coordination mechanisms, economies of scale, sectoral linkages, and dual-sector dynamics, remain relevant. The paper shows how these theories influenced later developments, including New Growth Theory, New Institutional Economics, and behavioral approaches, which integrate macro- and micro-level dynamics, and formal modeling. The offered perspective underscores the continuing relevance of classical structuralist ideas.

Keywords. Development economics; Development theory; Development; History of economic thought.

JEL. B25; B31; O10; O20.

Navigating the paradigm shift: Strategic formulations of public policy trends in the emerging economy of Mauritius

Sandeep Ajay RAMGOOLAM — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research examines the evolving landscape of public policy within the emerging economy of Mauritius, focusing on a critical transition toward a high-income status. As traditional policy frameworks face obsolescence, this paper identifies and analyzes three pivotal trends destined to shape the nation's socio-economic trajectory: the challenges of an ageing population, the structural shift from a manufacturing-based to a knowledge-intensive service economy, and the imperatives of global market integration. The study adopts a unique methodological approach by synthesizing existing literature and economic theories into specific algebraic policy formulations. For the ageing population, the research models variables such as labor participation, retirement age, and fiscal reform. In addressing the shift to a service economy, the study incorporates factors like technological diffusion, innovation, and productivity growth. Finally, the international business policy model integrates macroeconomic indicators, including exchange rates, inflation, and trade liberalization. Findings suggest that Mauritius’ success as a "Sub-Saharan Lion" depends on a proactive paradigm shift where policymakers move beyond domestic constraints to embrace global competitiveness and social sustainability. By quantifying these qualitative policy goals into workable equations, the paper provides a conceptual toolkit for stakeholders—including government bodies and private sector actors—to systematically address future development goals. The research concludes that an integrated effort between all societal actors, underpinned by sound economic conditions, is essential for Mauritius to achieve its vision of becoming a high-income, diversified economy by 2025.

Keywords. Public policy formulation; Mauritius economy; Ageing population; Knowledge economy; Economic paradigm shift.

JEL. E61; F13; J11; O11; O14.

Handbook of Families in the Arab Gulf States. By Md Mizanur Rahman, Kaltham Al-Ghanim, Ziarat Hossain, and Sharique Umar (Eds.), Springer 2025

Sakura Aoi TAKAHASHI — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This open-access Handbook of Families in the Arab Gulf States offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of the profound transformations affecting family life across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, and Bahrain. The volume successfully collates and advances scholarship on Gulf families, moving beyond previous Western-centric or Middle East-generalist perspectives to address the region's unique socio-economic, cultural, and political context. The collection is divided into thematic sections focusing on the intersection of globalization and deeply entrenched traditions. Key areas explored include shifts in family formation, marriage, and fertility dynamics, with dedicated chapters on the rapid decline in family size, the enduring practice of consanguineous marriage, and the impact of the digital age on partner selection. Furthermore, the Handbook provides an analytical look at evolving gender roles, covering topics such as the distribution of household labor, the role of domestic workers (Al-Khadam), and the gender gap in STEM fields. Crucially, the volume examines the influence of family policies, economic diversification, migration, and the widespread adoption of social media like TikTok on the structure and function of the contemporary Gulf family. By highlighting both continuity and change, the Handbook serves as an essential resource for academics and policymakers seeking a holistic understanding of this rapidly evolving social institution.

Keywords. Arab gulf families; Gender roles; Fertility Dynamics; International migration; Social change.

JEL. D10; F22; J12; J13; 51; J81; K36.

2025 International Symposium on Political Economy and Social Theory (ISPEST 2025). Berlin, October 10-13, 2025

EconSciences Editorial — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The International Symposium on Political Economy and Social Theory (ISPEST 2025), convened in Berlin from October 10–13, 2025, served as a premier forum for the interdisciplinary examination of economic thought, social structures, and political economy. The symposium attracted scholars from over 60 countries, bridging economics, sociology, political science, and philosophy. With both an Abstract Book and a Proceedings Book, ISPEST 2025 documented cutting-edge theoretical contributions, empirical research, and normative discussions relevant to Journal of Economic and Social Thought. This set of conference notes presents a synthesis of ISPEST 2025, highlighting central debates, key contributions, methodological innovations, and theoretical advancements in social and economic thought. Core themes included the evolution of economic ideas, social justice and inequality, governance and institutional theory, and interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary societal challenges..

Keywords. Political economy; Social theory, Social changes.

JEL. D10; F22; J12; J13; 51; J81; K36.