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The Human Rights-Based Approach to Development: A Theory of Change

Strinka, Sarah Marie
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586262883778281

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, Political Science (Arts and Sciences).
Human rights-based approaches to development (HRBAs) have emerged as a theory of change for development programming within the human development paradigm, which places significantly more focus on the lived realities of individuals and moves away from a development-as-growth model. I argue that HRBAs are better understood as a theory of change than a development paradigm because they influence the type of intervention implemented and are often used as a justification for why a program is likely to produce its intended consequences. Within this theory of change, HRBAs define power hierarchies and unequal power dynamics as the core problem prohibiting development. Therefore, work is done to adjust these structures in a way that redistributes political and economic power so that the institutions are more equitably accessible and provide more inclusive benefits across different groups. Therefore, HRBAs are best suited for development programs that address inequalities within a system or community where there has been uneven development, rather than inequalities across countries. The approach is based in the possibility of transforming power structures, rather than treating the negative symptoms of an underlying structural problem. HRBAs point toward the importance of advocating for structural change on the part of governments and the international system, rather than simply replacing the mechanisms and on-the-ground methods used to promote development.
Brandon Kendhammer, PhD (Committee Chair)
Andrew Ross, PhD (Committee Member)
Jennifer Fredette, PhD (Committee Member)
158 p.
International Relations; Political Science
human rights; development; HRBAs; international law; international development

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Strinka, S. M. (2020). The Human Rights-Based Approach to Development: A Theory of Change [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586262883778281

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Strinka, Sarah. The Human Rights-Based Approach to Development: A Theory of Change. 2020. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586262883778281.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Strinka, Sarah. "The Human Rights-Based Approach to Development: A Theory of Change." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1586262883778281

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1586262883778281
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.