INVESTMENT DEPENDENCE AND ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATIONS OF 3RD-WORLD MORTALITY - A CROSS-NATIONAL-STUDY

This study conceptualizes development as basic needs satisfaction, focusing on infant mortality and life expectancy at one year of age. Mortality effects of 1967 multinational corporate penetration and foreign aid dependence are assessed for 63 underdeveloped countries in panel models extending to 1980. Aid dependence has no effects, but multinational corporate penetration has significant harmful effects on mortality that tend to increase with time (and small benefits via promotion of health spending). The influence of multinational corporate penetration on mortality appears to be mediated in part by inequality. -from Author