One of the key debates that have emerged within development studies is to whom does the responsibility lie? The structuralists among us focus on the ‘state’. It is defined as the state’s duty, and responsibility, to meet people’s needs. Alternatively, perspectives emerge identifying the state as an enabler – the key actors are civil society. The focus on grass-roots action has, however, raised considerable debate. Critics have argued firstly, civil-society is not necessarily positive. The broad category of ‘civil-society’ – whether communities, NGOs, or FBOs – rely on ‘social-capital, defined as the linkages amongst members of society. However, such capital assets by which people are argued to be able to rely, and draw, upon have been shown to have negative components and remain structured within a system of power inequalities. For example not all women joining a micro-finance programme are strategically empowered as the burden of time-poverty remains and not all can have their voice heard. Secondly, the social-capital resources are not indefinite but rather constrained and limited over time through a ‘poverty of resources’ (Gonzalez de la Rocha, 2001). Thirdly, should we be relying on social-capital to meet needs? However, traditionally, within many cultures in Africa, the community has played a major role in creating self-sufficient communities. Therefore do we need to revitalise the focus on social-capital? Read more.
Submitted by Gemma Todd — Fri, 02/07/2014 – 10:42
Upon exploring how just and inclusive cities can emerge a key component of analysis is social life — how people act in cities, the complex character of sociability, and the factors designing urban life. Multiple concepts have been raised to define what a city is — and has become, and further, what kind of life materialises within urban spaces. Over time cities have been conceptualised as ‘misanthropic’, expressing disorganisation, violence, and a dense concentration of people whom adopt different mentalities and motives. Such urban personas are expressed through space. Read more.
Submitted by Editor — Mon, 12/02/2013 – 14:18
Peristiwanya sederhana. Seorang lurah, perempuan dan beragama Kristen, yang baru diangkat, diprotes oleh sekelompok orang yang menganggap bahwa dia tidak tepat memimpin sebuah kelurahan yang mayoritasnya beragama Islam. Peristiwa ini terjadi di Kelurahan Lenteng Agung, Jakarta Selatan, di ibukota Negara Republik Indonesia. Baca lebih lanjut.
The event looks very simple. A new appointed sub-district head, a women and a Christian, is rejected by a group of people as she is perceived to be not appropriate to lead a sub-district with a Muslim majority. This event occurred in the Lenteng Agung sub-district, South Jakarta, in the capital city of Indonesia. Read more.
Submitted by Riwanto Tirtosudarmo — Tue, 10/22/2013 – 11:22
La participación ciudadana es importante al momento de definir problemas, metas y objetivos, así como durante el diseño y ejecución de un programa o política pública. Lo anterior, debido a que no sólo causa un efecto positivo en la población al sentirse tomada en cuenta, también genera un compromiso total hacia el cumplimiento de las metas y objetivos establecidos. Leer más.
Submitted by Saúl Guarneros — Fri, 07/26/2013 – 16:46
Anyone comparing countries can quickly conclude there isn’t a direct fixed relationship between economic growth and quality public services. Per capita income can be terrible while total national income is high. Economic growth can be high yet maintain widespread inequality. This is not a sustainable way to run a country, yet this is how things are and have always been done in Brazil, the last country in the Americas to abolish slavery and today the world’s 7th largest economy where 21% of the population is still under the poverty line. Brazil today is 106th in GDP per capita. We also rank among the worst in inequality, at number 17, although this is a significant improvement over the 1st place position we occupied two decades ago. Read more.
Submitted by Catalytic Communities — Thu, 06/20/2013 – 11:08
Event: The Justice Conference
22–23 February 2013 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Justice Conference is a two-day annual event to promote dialogue around justice related issues such as human trafficking, slavery, poverty, HIV/AIDS and human rights, featuring internationally acclaimed speakers, hundreds of humanitarian organizations and dozens of pre-conference workshops. Learn more.
