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Understanding and addressing “Benevolent Indignities”: Unintentional violations of human dignity by well-meaning international actors

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  • Perrin, Paul Clayton

Abstract

The concept of human dignity has become central to global development and humanitarian efforts. This article contributes to the growing literature on dignity in development by exploring how well-intentioned aid and development practices can inadvertently dehumanize or marginalize those they aim to support—what the paper terms “benevolent indignities.” These indignities often arise not from ill intent or moral failings, but from systemic, philosophical, and operational dynamics within aid and development institutions that must be made visible to be challenged.

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  • Perrin, Paul Clayton, 2025. "Understanding and addressing “Benevolent Indignities”: Unintentional violations of human dignity by well-meaning international actors," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:195:y:2025:i:c:s0305750x25002384
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2025.107152
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