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Reclaiming development? NGOs and the challenge of alternatives

Author

Listed:
  • Diana Mitlin
  • University of Manchester
  • Sam Hickey
  • University of Manchester
  • Anthony Bebbington
  • University of Manchester

Abstract

In 1987, World Development published a supplement entitled `Development Alternatives: the Challenge of NGOs`. Although this challenge now seems far more complicated, this paper suggests one way of giving meaning (and possibility) back to the juxtaposition of `development alternative` and NGOs. Where NGOs have pursued radical rather than merely reformist alternatives, this has usually been in conjunction with political programmes of social movements or developmentalist states. NGOs need to rethink the notion of development alternatives in terms of the politics and political economy of social change, a rethinking that will help define the contours for a theory of NGOs.

Suggested Citation

  • Diana Mitlin & University of Manchester & Sam Hickey & University of Manchester & Anthony Bebbington & University of Manchester, 2006. "Reclaiming development? NGOs and the challenge of alternatives," Economics Series Working Papers GPRG-WPS-043, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:oxf:wpaper:gprg-wps-043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Róisín Shannon, 2009. "Playing with principles in an era of securitized aid," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 9(1), pages 15-36, January.
    3. Tanya Jakimow, 2008. "Answering the critics," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 8(4), pages 311-323, October.

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