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The Paradox of Sustainability: Reflections on NGOs in Bangladesh

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  • Joseph Devine

Abstract

Drawing on research from Bangladesh, this article questions the dominance of a narrow view of sustainability that rests predominantly on financial considerations. The push for financial sustainability has produced ambiguous results and, more important, has also introduced a degree of uncertainty into the relationship nongovernmental organizations maintain with their members. This article will argue that in the context of Bangladesh, an accurate notion of sustainability rests more on social and political considerations than on economic ones. Fundamental tensions exist between social/political and economic considerations, and paradoxically, the relentless pursuit of one may undermine efforts to establish the other. The article therefore seeks to subject the logic and validity of efforts to promote sustainability among nongovernmental organizations in Bangladesh to theoretical and empirical scrutiny.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:590:y:2003:i:1:p:227-242
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716203257067
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stiles, Kendall, 2002. "International Support for NGOs in Bangladesh: Some Unintended Consequences," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 835-846, May.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Emily Haddy & Julia Brown & Faith Burden & Zoe Raw & Juliane Kaminski & Leanne Proops, 2023. "Sustainability in NGO Programming: A Case Study of Working Equid Welfare Organizations," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.

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