Management by Seclusion: A Critique of World Bank Promises to End Global Poverty

Glynn Cochrane argues that poverty alleviation requires personal engagement with the poorest by helpers with hands-on local and cultural skills, instead of Washington's "management by seclusion."

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 190 pages
\n Publication date: 03 May 2019
\n Publisher: Berghahn Books
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Fifty years ago, World Bank President Robert McNamara made a bold promise to end poverty. He believed that economic growth would be the key to reducing poverty and improving the lives of the impoverished. The plan was to provide loans to countries, which would be processed by deskbound Washington staff, resulting in higher incomes that would trickle down to the very bottom of the economic ladder. However, as we look around the world today, we see that child poverty and homelessness are on the rise in almost every country.

In his book, anthropologist and former World Bank Advisor Glynn Cochrane challenges the traditional approach to poverty alleviation. He argues that instead of relying on distant management by Washington, poverty alleviation requires personal engagement with the poorest people by helpers who possess hands-on local and cultural skills. The author believes that the insights provided by anthropological fieldwork have a crucial role to play in this endeavor.

Cochrane begins by examining the historical roots of poverty and the ways in which it has been perpetuated over time. He argues that the dominant economic model, which emphasizes economic growth and the pursuit of profit, has often left the poor behind. This model has led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, while the majority of people struggle to make ends meet.

To address this issue, Cochrane suggests that we need to shift our focus away from economic growth and towards sustainable development. He argues that sustainable development should prioritize the well-being of people and the planet, rather than simply economic profits. This means that we need to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which will benefit everyone, regardless of their economic status.

Furthermore, Cochrane argues that personal engagement with the poorest people is essential for poverty alleviation. He suggests that helpers with hands-on local and cultural skills can provide valuable insights and assistance to the people they work with. These helpers can understand the specific challenges that the poor face and can develop innovative solutions to address them.

Cochrane also emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in poverty alleviation. He argues that the dominant Western model of development often fails to take into account the unique cultural and social structures of different communities. By working with local communities and respecting their cultural values, helpers can develop more effective and sustainable solutions to poverty.

In conclusion, Cochrane's book provides a powerful argument for a new approach to poverty alleviation. He challenges the traditional approach, which relies on distant management by Washington, and suggests that personal engagement with the poorest people by helpers with hands-on local and cultural skills is essential for sustainable poverty reduction. By prioritizing sustainable development and cultural sensitivity, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

\n Weight: 300g\n
Dimension: 155 x 228 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781789201338\n \n