Human Autonomy Effectiveness and Development Projects

Article by Professor Des Gasper in Oxford Development Studies

Human Autonomy Effectiveness and Development Projects, In: Oxford Development Studies, vol.40(1), pp. 49-67, March 2012

By Mirtha R. Muniz Castillo and Des Gasper

Abstract

The article proposes a change of focus in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects, moving away from an abstract conception of 'the project' and the goods it is intended to deliver, to a more meaningful concept of people as agents of change. For projects are only likely to lead to sustainable intended impacts when people are self-motivated and involved in processes that they value, which achieve outcomes that they value.

The paper presents a 'human autonomy effectiveness' criterion that is relevant for sustainable human development; and develops an analytical approach to assess a project's influence on human autonomy, with reference to changes in the determinants of autonomy (agency powers, access to resources and socio-structural contexts) and to relevant decision-making practices during the project.

About the authors

Des Gasper is Professor at ISS.

Mirtha R. Muniz Castillo works at the Ministry of Economics in Lima, Peru.