Description
Book Synopsis 50 years ago, World Bank President Robert McNamara promised to end poverty. Alleviation was to rely on economic growth, resulting in higher incomes stimulated by Bank loans processed by deskbound Washington staff, trickling down to the poorest. Instead, child poverty and homelessness are on the increase everywhere. In this book, anthropologist and former World Bank Advisor Glynn Cochrane argues that instead of Washington’s “management by seclusion,” poverty alleviation requires personal engagement with the poorest by helpers with hands-on local and cultural skills. Here, the author argues, the insights provided by anthropological fieldwork have a crucial role to play.
Trade Review “[This book] offers many significant insights regarding the World Bank, its institutional outlook, and [its] practices. The author, given his early involvement at the Bank, as well as his subsequent experience with NGOs, the private sector, and other organizations, is an ideal candidate to provide such an account.” • A. Peter Castro, Syracuse University
Table of Contents Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Money-Moving
Chapter 2. Reputation Management
Chapter 3. Disciplines
Chapter 4. Public Service
Chapter 5. Social Soundness Analysis
Conclusions
Appendix A: Engagement Issues for Anthropology
Appendix B: The Culture of Poverty Debate
Appendix C: World Bank Social Development Group
Appendix D: Culture and Development Assistance
Bibliography
Index
