Listening to and representing the interests of the poor: some thoughts on Deveaux’s Poverty, Solidarity, and Poor-Led Social Movements

ABSTRACT

This article engages with Monique Deveaux’s book Poverty, Solidarity, and Poor-Led Social Movements. Deveaux argues that philosophers writing on poverty and global justice should be more attentive to what poor people themselves think and do in response to poverty. I support Deveaux’s general orientation but reflect on some challenges that need to be considered and negotiated to achieve Deveaux’s goals. The article begins by complicating some of the distinctions Deveaux makes, especially the distinction between organisations which act on behalf of the poor and those which are led by poor people. To further complicate this distinction, the article explores debates on representation that highlight some of the complexities that arise when privileged actors seek to act in solidarity with poor-led movements. Finally, the article invites Deveaux to further elaborate on the question of the epistemic value of listening to poor people’s accounts.

KEYWORDS:

• Solidarity
• social movements
• representation
• poverty
• global justice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sally Matthews

Sally Matthews is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political and International Studies at Rhodes University, South Africa. This article relates to her longstanding interest in the politics of development and NGO work in Africa.