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NGOs, Politics and Grassroots Mobilisation

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  • Joseph Devine

    (Department of Economics and International Development University of Bath)

Abstract

Since the early 1980s non-governmental organisations have become a major phenomenon in development, and a focus of attention for academics and practitioners alike. The study of NGOs tends to emphasise their role in the delivery of welfare services and pays less at-tention to their political significance. This despite numerous claims about the contribution of NGOs to civil society and democracy. The article draws on ethnographic research carried out in Bangladesh to explore in more detail the NGO–politics nexus. It demonstrates that there is a strong but complex link between NGOs and politics. On the one hand it confirms the political nature of NGO intervention and activity. On the other hand it highlights how the organisation of politics through NGOs reproduces clientelistic forms of action. This apparent paradox runs counter to most of the assumptions underpinning NGO research. The article closes by exploring this paradox and offering illustrations of how it may actually be an effective form of social action for the poor.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph Devine, 2006. "NGOs, Politics and Grassroots Mobilisation," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 1(1), pages 77-99, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soudev:v:1:y:2006:i:1:p:77-99
    DOI: 10.1177/097317410500100104
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wood, Geof, 2003. "Staying Secure, Staying Poor: The "Faustian Bargain"," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 455-471, March.
    2. Blair, Harry, 2005. "Civil society and propoor initiatives in rural Bangladesh: finding a workable strategy," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 921-936, June.
    3. Sarah C. White, 2002. "Being, becoming and relationship: conceptual challenges of a child rights approach in development," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 14(8), pages 1095-1104.
    4. Bratton, Michael, 1989. "The politics of government-NGO relations in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 17(4), pages 569-587, April.
    5. Fox, Jonathan A, 1994. "The Difficult Transition from Clientelism to Citizenship: Lessons from Mexico," Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, Working Paper Series qt4n4746hk, Center for Global, International and Regional Studies, UC Santa Cruz.
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    Cited by:

    1. Joe Devine & Timothy Hinks & Arif Naveed, 2019. "Happiness in Bangladesh: The Role of Religion and Connectedness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 351-371, February.

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