Aggregating Smallholder Farmers in Emerging Economies

The agricultural sector plays an important role in emerging economies even though most farmers are trapped in the poverty cycle owing to their smallholdings. Aggregating farmers through formal or informal cooperatives (coops) can enable them to: (i) reduce production cost; (ii) increase/stabilize process yield; (iii) increase brand awareness; (iv) eliminate unnecessary intermediaries; and (v) eliminate price uncertainty. To examine whether these effects will benefit the members of such aggregation when they compete with other individual farmers, we present separate models to capture the essence of these five effects. For each effect, we find that it is beneficial for a farmer to be part of the aggregation only when the size of the aggregation is below a certain threshold. Also, while certain effects are beneficial to the market as a whole, other effects are hurtful due to higher market price and/or lower production quantity.     

The impact of political parties on the distribution of state and local tax burdens

Using a disaggregated measure that allows us to examine the distribution of state and local tax burdens between high and low income groups better, this research finds that in many models, Democratic control is positively associated with a lower relative tax burden on the poor. The results are stronger for average Democratic strength in the state government than for unified Democratic strength. The results are strongest when comparing income groups just below the richest 1% (the next richest 2–5% and the next richest 6–20%) with the poorest 20%.     

Did the 1918–19 Influenza Pandemic Originate in China?

This article seeks to establish whether China, like most other countries, experienced an influenza outbreak in 1918–19 and to gauge its extent and severity. It evaluates the suggestion that the 1918–19 influenza virus originated in China and was carried to France by Chinese migrant workers during World War I. The investigation covers statistical and other materials for Hong Kong and Shanghai, nonstatistical materials for elsewhere in China, and British archival records relating to the recruitment and transportation to France of Chinese workers. Influenza was widespread in China in 1918–19, but, although severe in some parts, it was mild in many places compared with elsewhere in the world. The most plausible explanation is that the 1918–19 influenza virus, or a closely related precursor, had originated in China, so that many Chinese had prior exposure and hence some immunity. It is thus conceivable that Chinese workers en route to France would have carried the virus with them, leading to the pandemic.     

Region,Race, and Support for the South Carolina Confederate Flag*

Objective. Existing research suggests that conservative racial attitudes are one of the strongest factors explaining support for the Confederate flag, but this conclusion has been reached by examining the attitudes of only white southerners. We provide a more complete understanding of this issue, focusing on both white and black opinion from across the country. Methods. We use a rolling cross‐sectional survey with a large sample size to model support for the South Carolina Confederate flag nationally and then among two groups: southerners and nonsoutherners. Results. Although racial attitudes are important among both southerners and nonsoutherners, region and race also influence support for the Confederate flag. Southern whites have the greatest support for the flag followed by nonsouthern whites, nonsouthern blacks, and southern blacks. Conclusions. Support for the Confederate flag is not simply about racial attitudes, but a more complex phenomenon where region and race exert important influences.     

Stewardship of public assets under nonprofit conversion models: New York's Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield case study

This research describes a case study of the Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield conversion under way in New York. In January 2002, legislation approved the conversion and the disposition of $1 billion in assets: 95 percent for health care salaries and expenses and 5 percent for a foundation to promote health care for the poor. New York's approach is controversial. According to Greene and Sommerfield (2002), the New York Times considers it the largest fiscal gimmick in New York's history, and Consumers Union is challenging it in the courts, asserting the plan is illegal. This article describes New York's approach to nonprofit conversion, proposing that more research on conversions is needed and that case study research illustrating the way different states approach the issue has the potential to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in an important debate that will advance public policymaking that furthers the public good. Subsequently, on June 20, 2005, New York State's highest court dismissed the Consumers Union lawsuit, affirming the actions of the New York State legislature and bringing to an end nearly three years of state‐level litigation.     

The Research Potential of Testimony from Public Inquiry Websites

Policy and practice in child welfare and protection has been significantly influenced by public inquiries or commissions which follow highly publicised child tragedies. Whilst there has been considerable comment on the final reports, there has been little research on the evidence gathered for such inquiries. Large amounts of testimony are collected which are increasingly available on inquiry websites. Such evidence offers new forms of readily available data about professional practice across a wide range of topics. Suggestions are made about research methods and search functions, and links to some sites provided. However, the data must be understood in the context in which it was produced.