1. Integrative Country Social Analysis
Anis Dani & Estanislao Gacitua-Mario
Social Development Department
ESSD Week
March 10, 2004

2. Objectives of upstream social analytical work
Deepen understanding of the social, political, and institutional context
Analyze the systemic issues and dynamic trends of elements in the context to inform policy choice and program design
Obtain perspectives of different stakeholders to assess the ownership and sustainability of development programs
Assess country systems and capacity to enhance social benefits and minimize or manage social risks, including safeguard risks

3. Principles of Integrative Country Social Analysis
Social identity and social relationships have a bearing on development outcomes
Primary unit of analysis : social groups
Analysis of opportunities, constraints and risks arising out of the social, political and institutional context
Interaction between formal institutions, social institutions and informal practices
Integrates different SD themes drawing on a wide range of tools and techniques – selectivity among modules and prioritizing within the modules based on country context, operational priorities and knowledge gaps
Conflict Analysis Framework (e.g. Somalia, Nigeria)
Civil Society Assessment (e.g. Albania, Senegal)
Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (14 done, 73 underway)
Country Gender Assessment (21 done, 14 underway)

4. ICSA Framework Social Analysis Themes
Intermediate Outcomes
Assess
Social diversity, poverty and economic opportunity
Social relations, institutions and governance
Role and capacity of civil society
Social cleavages and conflict
Poverty and social impacts of policy reforms and sector-wide programs
Social risks, including social safeguards
Inclusive Institutions
Data gathering, collection, analysis and assessment
Opportunities
Constraints
Accountable Institutions
Risks
Cohesive Societies
Policy and Program Recommendations

5. Challenges
Integration of various strands of social analytical work to formulate strategic priorities for policy and program design
Identification of strategic opportunities to avoid errors of omission (e.g. informal sector, slum dwellers)
Balance forward looking analysis with risk mitigation approach, such as in safeguard policies
Establishing synergies with related analytical work – Poverty Assessment, Country Gender Assessment, and Country Economic Memorandum
Building client ownership and client capacity to ensure sustainability