NGO's and development

Question 1

Development

Answer 1

• multi-dimensional process with reorganisation and reorientation of entire economic and social systems
• 3 aspects - increase availability and widen distribution of basic goods such as food, health etc
  - raise levels of living eg. high incomes, better education etc
  - exapnd range of economic and socials choices by freeing nations from servitude and dependence

Question 2

Measuring Development

Answer 2

• economic - GDP - total value of goods produced
  - GNP - including overseas investments
  - PPP - local cost of living
• social - infant mortality
  - life expectancy
  - fertility rate
  - adult literacy
• others - obesity
  - crime levels
  - energy consumption

Question 3

What is an NGO?

Answer 3

• made up of non-governmental represenatatives - usually no govt participation
• usually have no international legal status
• don’t enter into treaties or international agreements - but might promote them

Question 4

Critiques of NGO activity

Answer 4

-powerful political actors
- can’t be held to account - aren’t elected - no checks and balances - not representative of normal people
- behaviour of members - Oxfam sexual misconduct
scandal
-impact of religious faith in international politics