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Narratives, Stories and Tales: Understanding Poverty Dynamics Through Life Histories

Author

Listed:
  • Uma Kothari
  • University of Manchester
  • David Hulme
  • University of Manchester

Abstract

The study of poverty dynamics has been dominated by the quantitative analysis of panel datasets. These can identify patterns and correlates of economic and social mobility but have found it difficult to explain why these occur. This paper examines how qualitative research methods, and in particular life history methodologies, can provide a means for explaining poverty dynamics. It considers the strengths and limitations of using qualitative evidence and the role of life histories in providing deep insights into the lived realities of the poor. Subsequently it provides an illustration of the use of a life history to understand the poverty dynamics of a single poor household in Bangladesh. The way in which such narratives can complement and counter official and institutional explanations of change and deepen the understandings gained from more `conventional` datasets is then discussed. In conclusion, it argues that the understanding of poverty dynamics necessitates the adoption of multiple methodologies used flexibly to supplement, complement and counter one another.

Suggested Citation

  • Uma Kothari & University of Manchester & David Hulme & University of Manchester, 2005. "Narratives, Stories and Tales: Understanding Poverty Dynamics Through Life Histories," Economics Series Working Papers GPRG-WPS-011, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:oxf:wpaper:gprg-wps-011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bob Baulch & John Hoddinott, 2000. "Economic mobility and poverty dynamics in developing countries," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(6), pages 1-24.
    2. Baulch, Bob & Masset, Edoardo, 2003. "Do Monetary and Nonmonetary Indicators Tell the Same Story About Chronic Poverty? A Study of Vietnam in the 1990s," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 441-453, March.
    3. Mehrotra, Santosh & Jarrett, Stephen W., 2002. "Improving basic health service delivery in low-income countries: 'voice' to the poor," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(11), pages 1685-1690, June.
    4. McCulloch, Neil & Calandrino, Michele, 2003. "Vulnerability and Chronic Poverty in Rural Sichuan," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 31(3), pages 611-628, March.
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