“Just Push It Through”

Abstract

In what ways, if any, do development workers practice solidarity? In-depth interviews with 42 current and former workers for the Canadian federal development agency reveal that emotions are important factors in how solidarity is enacted and where it breaks down. Almost all the interviewees described feelings of frustration and reward in their development work, but whether these emotions contribute solidarity is contingent on the extent to which these workers identify with their partners. The more they identify, the more they push for the development outcomes they believe will best serve their partners, often despite Canadian political priorities. However, the conflict between Canadian and development interests can lead to burnout, especially for women, who are more likely to challenge the organization—and to face professional hurdles as a result. In contrast, workers who see themselves as primarily accountable to Canadians experience less frustration and easier career paths. For this group, the reward of “doing good” becomes an additional source of privilege that further separates them from development partners. The case of Canadian development workers highlights the challenges of solidarity as an elusive yet important development ethic and sheds light on broader questions of how solidarity can challenge privilege to redress inequalities.