Readings ahead of time and reading questions
1) Negotiating Norms and Values—
Where do we compromise and where do we “draw the line” when it comes to conflicting priorities between international partners based on differing cultural norms, societal expectations, and religious values regarding treatment of vulnerable groups in terms of gender and gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, migration status, race, etc?
2) Alternative vs Mainstream Approaches—
In choosing to advocate for alternative methodologies that are currently outside of the mainstream, such as “slow research”, are we relying on our privilege in the Global North. In other words, by rejecting current systems that we see as problematic, are we also suppressing pragmatic and pressing concerns about the need for development and opportunities for employment for local staff in poor communities with our own sense of ideological righteousness?
3) “Fiduciary Responsibility”—
How do we balance the legitimate necessities of financial accountability and transparency (ie fiduciary responsibility) with the power disparities and threats to autonomy inherent within the transfer of money from wealthy funders in global North to poor communities around the world?