Between threat and infantilisation: how frames impede the meaningful participation of the disaster affected in Haiti

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe can observe a growing discourse in the humanitarian sector to ‘localise’, ie provide national NGOs and civil society organisations with a leading role in affected countries. Yet, structural hierarchies and inherently discriminating practices based on solidified patterns of perception (frames) of local actors impede rapid progress towards this goal on the field level. In order to elucidate these mechanisms, I will from an anthropological perspective first outline the structural and discursive factors within the humanitarian system that serve as obstacles to more participatory and localised approaches. I will then present empirical data from my field research on the humanitarian action of a European NGO in Haiti after Hurricane Matthew. Despite a high degree of ethical concern and critical reflectivity among the management staff, many practices still exclude local actors, and the way they are framed reflects strong tendencies towards both securitisation and paternalism. Framing in general, and th...