Publication details

• Wednesday | 15 Apr, 1992
• Khalid Saeed
• Research Reports,Project Publications
• 20

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Abstract

This paper presents partial results of an opinion survey conducted by the authors in four south and southeast Asian countries to understand the characteristics of the urban middle class and its potential for supporting initiatives for economic development and environmental sustainability.  The urban middle class in these countries appears to be relatively affluent, well educated, debt-free and supportive of special justice.  Its members seem to recognize environmental issues and to place a high priority on addressing them, although this attitude is correlated to some degree with education and income level.  They also seem to aspire to entrepreneurial roles, but see many institutional impediments to discharging such roles.  The urban middle class appears to offer an important resource for fostering environmentally sensible economic development.  There is a need, however, to tap its potential through institutional reform supporting middle class aspirations.

Key Words:  Economic Development, Environment, Public Policy, Entrepreneurship, Middle Class, Urban Development, Population.