Unbalanced growth, programmes and prognoses, and the ideal plan

Abstract

The article shows some affinities that can be found in the author’s arguments underlying the criticism of the means-end model and those underlying the criticism of the doctrine of balanced growth, ideas formulated in different contexts and for different reasons. The author first briefly summarizes the main features of both models and the criticism of them. The convergence of the underlying principles of these criticisms is then discussed. Finally, this is linked to some current notions of planning in underdeveloped countries, in which the notions of balanced growth and of the means-end model converge.

JEL: F43, O40