Articles authored by Schunk, Javier

Viewpoint

Since the 1960s, `partnership' has been a stated aim of NGOs, and the authors discuss how the concept of partnership has developed over the last 30 years. The type of relationship partners should have and the type of institution, government or group that Northern NGOs should seek to foster as partners, the authors argue, may be different in each specific instance. Both partners should agree on what they wish to gain from and can contribute to the relationship, building the mutual trust essential if partnerships are to flourish, be useful, and last.
The author uses the metaphor of the development practitioner as psychotherapist in order to explore the perverse relationships of dependence and projection that may be fostered between aid agencies and `beneficiaries' unless there is a clear sense on the part of both parties that the ultimate goal is that the latter should take responsibility for analysing their situation and taking appropriate steps to improve it.