By Abhijit Banerjee, Rema Hanna, Benjamin A. Olken and Diana Sverdlin-Lisker

Journal of Economic Literature (Sept 2022).

Date Published: Sept 2022

Abstract 

Social protection programs have become increasingly widespread in low- and middleincome countries, with their own distinct characteristics to match the environments in which they are operating. This paper reviews the growing literature on the design and impact of these programs. We review how to identify potential beneficiaries given the large informal sector, the design and implementation of redistribution and income support programs, and the challenges and potential of social insurance. We use our frameworks as a guide for consolidating and organizing the existing literature, and also to highlight areas and questions for future research.