Growth and the case against randomista development

Abstract

Randomista development (RD), which evaluates and promotes interventions testable by randomized controlled trials (RCTs), is overrepresented in effective altruism (EA). Research and advocacy for economic growth in low- and middle-income countries is likely more cost-effective than RD, and should be prioritized by near-termist EAs. While GDP is an imperfect measure of human welfare, it correlates strongly with objective and subjective well-being indicators. Economic growth has driven substantial progress in human welfare, far exceeding the impact of most RD interventions. However, GDP does not capture inequality, foregone consumption, public goods, or other crucial welfare factors. Thus, EAs should investigate ways to improve these aspects outside the constraints of RD. – AI-generated abstract.