Global construction industry: the north-south divide

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between construction and global economic development within the context of the north-south contentions put forth by the Brandt Commission (1980). The findings from this study tend to lend support to the Brandt's Report in so far as construction is concerned. In relating construction to economic development, there appears to be a causal linkage between construction and the global north-south distinction as reported by the Brandt Commission. The statistical evidence culled from the United Nations and other official sources in this study shows that: (a) in absolute terms, the construction industries in the north are considerably greater than those in the south; (b) however, in relative growth terms, the situation is reversed; and (c) the two phenomena above are similarly replicated in the comparative studies between the construction industries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (in the south) and the European Community (in the north). The analysis goes on to reveal further that between 1970 and 1984, rigorous construction works have been undertaken by developing countries in what appears to be a tremendous effort aimed at narrowing the economic gaps with developed nations.