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EVERYDAY FORMS OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN BANGLADESH: Learning from Fifteen Cases

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  • Davis, Peter
  • Haque, Rafiqul
  • Hasin, Dilara
  • Aziz, Md. Abdul
  • Begum, Anowara

Abstract

This paper examines fifteen cases of collective action in six villages in rural Bangladesh. Collective action was defined broadly and identified from significant episodes in previous life-history research in the same villages. The types of collective action identified were catalyzed by marriage; dowry and domestic violence; disputes over land; illness, injury and death in accidents; and theft and cheating. The role of development NGOs was less significant than would be expected considering their visibility in rural Bangladesh. The study suggests that ‘everyday forms’ (Scott 1985) of collective action often occur spontaneously and informally, with significant impact on peoples’ wellbeing, but with ambiguous outcomes for some poor people involved. This is a different picture that is usually understood in Bangladesh – due to the visibility of NGOs – particularly by outsiders. Local government elected chairs and members play a key role in collective action events, which often include local arbitration, or shalish, hearings. A deeper understanding of how collective disputes and struggles are commonly managed in everyday life should help us to hold a more realistic view of the empowerment potential of interventions aimed at fostering collective action in rural Bangladesh.

Suggested Citation

  • Davis, Peter & Haque, Rafiqul & Hasin, Dilara & Aziz, Md. Abdul & Begum, Anowara, 2009. "EVERYDAY FORMS OF COLLECTIVE ACTION IN BANGLADESH: Learning from Fifteen Cases," CAPRi Working Papers 50894, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:capriw:50894
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.50894
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela & di Gregorio, Monica & McCarthy, Nancy, 2004. "Methods for Studying Collective Action in Rural Development," CAPRi Working Papers 50062, CGIAR, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    2. Joseph Devine, 2003. "The Paradox of Sustainability: Reflections on NGOs in Bangladesh," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 590(1), pages 227-242, November.
    3. Peter Davis, 2007. "Discussions Among the Poor: Exploring Poverty Dynamics With Focus Groups in Bangladesh," Working Papers id:1106, eSocialSciences.
    4. Meinzen-Dick, Ruth & DiGregorio, Monica & McCarthy, Nancy, 2004. "Methods for studying collective action in rural development," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 82(3), pages 197-214, December.
    5. Kabeer, Naila, 2001. "Conflicts Over Credit: Re-Evaluating the Empowerment Potential of Loans to Women in Rural Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 63-84, January.
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