On the side of the angels: Altruism in Danish development aid 1960-2005

Jan Pedersen, Thorsten Borring Olesen

4 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Based on a theoretical definition of altruism the article investigates the relationship between this and other motives in Danish official development assistance 1960-2005. In the historical unfolding and general mode of operation of the Danish aid regime altruism has been an important, but only vaguely specified motive, endorsed by those involved on all levels: politicians, interest groups, specialists, activists and voters. However, other important motives, of an economic and political and even structuralsystemic nature, both national and international, can also be identified. Some of these are deemed reconcilable with an altruistic core motivation while others exercised a disruptive and competing influence. The multiplicity of agency and the derived need for consensus has tended to obstruct accountability and dilute responsibility in the aid system. Unfortunately, the frequent invocations of altruism in order to justify the aid programme may have served to downplay the importance of problems with aid efficiency and to marginalise criticism.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftEuropean Review of History
Vol/bind17
Udgave nummer6
Sider (fra-til)881-903
Antal sider23
ISSN1350-7486
StatusUdgivet - dec. 2010

Emneord

  • Det Humanistiske Fakultet
  • Denmark
  • Altruism

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