Poverty Reduction Strategy in Bangladesh
Rethinking participation in policy making
By Palash Kamruzzaman
Published
Jan 31, 2014Page count
224 pagesISBN
978-1447305699Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressIn the media
'The case for epistemic justice' on Transforming Society
This book analyses government relationships with international financial institutions by evaluating the role of citizen participation when national poverty reduction policies are formulated in low-income countries. Based on in-depth research from Bangladesh, the concept of participation is investigated from the contrasting perspectives of theory and practice. The first part of the book explores the rhetoric of participation in development policies, while the second part presents empirical evidence of participation in the formulation of Bangladesh’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper where, at local level, development brokers play an important role. It argues that participatory policies are not enough, that an overhaul is needed in the approach to poverty reduction which will require strong political commitment.
This topical book will make essential reading for academics, students and researchers in international development studies and poverty-related fields.
Palash Kamruzzaman is a teaching fellow in international development at the University of Bath, UK. He holds degrees in anthropology and sociology, and has taught development studies and social policy in a number of British and Bangladeshi universities.
Introduction
Part One: Participation in theory
Participation: an iron hand in a velvet glove
Poverty reduction: discourse or a commitment to change?
Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers: another brick in the wall
Part Two: Participation in practice
Participation: the evidence
Is a comprador class being created?
Think local, act local
Conclusion.