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The Role of Personal Identity in Human Development

Author

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  • Ilaria Schnyder von Wartensee

    (University of Notre Dame)

  • Elizabeth Hlabse

    (University of Notre Dame)

  • Gabriella Berloffa

    (University of Trento)

  • Giuseppe Folloni

    (University of Trento)

Abstract

Contributing to the capability and human development literature, this article suggests that personal identity—defined as a person’s recognition of her value—is the crucial element for local actors’ agency. We report the results of a qualitative study in Kampala, Uganda, which examines the experience of a grassroots development organisation in promoting health and wellbeing among vulnerable people. Findings show that personal identity has served to catalyse local actors’ agency, becoming the basis for a constructive and lasting transformation of the study group’s socioeconomic circumstances. In light of these findings, we discuss the potential for the experience to be translated across other development contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilaria Schnyder von Wartensee & Elizabeth Hlabse & Gabriella Berloffa & Giuseppe Folloni, 2019. "The Role of Personal Identity in Human Development," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(3), pages 461-479, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:31:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1057_s41287-018-0163-2
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-018-0163-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bettina Mahlert, 2021. "Needs and Satisfiers: A Tool for Dealing with Perspectivity in Policy Analysis," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(6), pages 1455-1474, December.

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