POLITICS IN POVERTY ANALYSIS (HARRIS)

Flashcards on Poverty Dynamics

Depoliticization of Poverty

The framing of poverty as a technical issue of individual or household deficits rather than a result of unequal power relations and socio-economic structures. This approach conceals the political and historical causes of poverty and aligns with the interests of dominant elites.

Asset-Based Approach

A perspective emphasizing the importance of assets (land, labor, livestock, human, or social capital) in influencing the capacities of individuals and households to withstand shocks and avoid poverty traps. It focuses on leveraging existing resources to improve resilience.

Jobless growth

Rapid economic growth but employment does not rise correspondingly, resulting in minimal or no increase in secure jobs. In the context of India, Harris critiques the narrative of poverty reduction by highlighting that liberalization and growth in the 1990s occurred without substantial job creation, leading to precarious or informal employment instead. This undercuts the optimistic portrayal of poverty trends based solely on aggregate income growth.

Robert Chambers’ quote on poverty

Poverty becomes what has been measured. This suggests that our understanding of poverty is shaped by the metrics we use to assess it.

What is Robert Chambers' influence on this debate, according to Harris?

Chambers emphasized that poverty is multidimensional and should be understood through the lived experiences of the poor. He argued that dominant approaches equate poverty with what is easily measured, thereby marginalizing more complex and qualitative aspects like powerlessness, vulnerability, and social exclusion.

Survival dimension of poverty

Relating to lack of income. This dimension focuses on the basic necessities (food, shelter) for survival.

Security dimension of poverty

Net assets. Stability of income, assets, health. Includes access to resources that provide a buffer against economic shocks.

Self-respect dimension of poverty

This dimension highlights the importance of dignity, autonomy and social inclusion in overcoming poverty. It emphasizes the role of self-esteem and recognition in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities affected by poverty.

Bent Flyvberg's argument

Argues that social scientists make an error by seeking to emulate the natural sciences, especially concerning human judgement and behavior. This critique suggests that social phenomena require different methodological approaches. Flyvbjerg urges a turn away from positivist models toward context-specific, interpretive social science. He sees value in deep, case-based research that grapples with power, ethics, and real-world complexities rather than searching for universal laws.

What is Robert Chambers' influence on this debate, according to Harris?

Chambers emphasized that poverty is multidimensional and should be understood through the lived experiences of the poor. He argued that dominant approaches equate poverty with what is easily measured, thereby marginalizing more complex and qualitative aspects like powerlessness, vulnerability, and social exclusion.

How does Harris critique the use of poverty surveys like the VHLSS in Vietnam?

He highlights that these surveys systematically exclude unregistered migrants and the most vulnerable populations due to flawed sampling methods. This omission creates an overly optimistic picture of poverty reduction and obscures the actual conditions of marginalization in urban and peri-urban areas.

Chronic Poverty

Persistent poverty sustained by structural and relational constraints, such as labor market exclusion, gender inequality, and class dynamics. Harriss stresses that addressing chronic poverty requires moving beyond individual attributes to analyze systemic reproduction of disadvantage.

Reconstructing Poverty Knowledge

Harris, drawing on Alice O’Connor and Bent Flyvbjerg, calls for a refocusing of poverty research away from hypothesis-testing and measurement, toward investigating the distribution of power, wealth, and structural inequality—using engaged, relational, and context-sensitive methods.

Dimensions of Poverty

Refers to the multifaceted nature of poverty that extends beyond income or consumption metrics. Drawing from Robert Chambers and elaborated by Harris, key dimensions include survival, security, and self respect.