Summary
Contents
Subject index
The sharpening poverty contradictions and their links to a larger governance reality is the theme of this book. Enhanced understanding of the security and human rights situation in South Asia has also led to identification of alternative possibilities for innovative policy at both the micro and macro levels. Action research, which provides the material basis for formulating sustainable policy, differentiates this work from conventional development thinking and action. This material basis is provided by learning from the survival struggles of the poor themselves and new social movements in South Asia, and not from a priori theorizing and received wisdom from distant contexts. The book identifies critical elements in a more holistic interdisciplinary and analytical methodology. Another methodological innovation reflected in this work is the dialogical method and social praxis which permits various stakeholders to bring about transformative social change through collective reflection, unlearning social mobilization processes as well as an accumulation process by the poor. The cases illustrate how the process mediates the main contradictions as well as creates conditions where growth, human development and equity need not necessarily be trade offs. This work stresses that the poor are not the problem and can be a part of the solution when rigorous social mobilization takes place and they are conscientised, building their own organizations as a new efficient countervailing power. These critical elements have been knit together into a transitional pro poor growth oriented strategy, deepening political and economic democracy at the base of South Asian societies.
Introduction
Introduction
Lessons from the ground show that the core methodology of social mobilization with participation of the poor as subjects in the process needs to be catalyzed and multiplied by a ‘sensitized’/‘trained’ facilitator, who can ensure an additional component to pro-poor growth, as well as strengthen the movement towards political democracy with economic democracy.
In some situations, the process has started spontaneously and people's struggles have thrown up internal facilitators and catalysts who can mobilize, conscientize and organize the people, particularly the poor. In most situations, however, an external facilitator/catalyst is necessary to initiate the process and build institutions to sustain and scale up the process. Once the process has matured, the external facilitator can withdraw, leaving internal facilitators to continue.
Chapter 8 represents an actual case ...
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