Marie Michael Library

Beyond buzzwords: "Poverty reduction", "participation" and "empowerment" in development policy

Cornwall, Andrea; Brock, Karen

The words 'poverty reduction', 'participation' and 'empowerment' give today's development policies a sense of purpose and optimism. They suggest a world where everyone gets a chance to take part in making the decisions that affect their lives. This paper examines the difference (if any) these words make. It also explores whether or not their use had led to changes in the policies pursued by development.