Democracy, development and civil society in Bangladesh: The quest for a new praxis for sustainability.
Date
1999
Authors
Quadir, Fahimul.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Dalhousie University
Abstract
Description
Given the global transitions to liberal democracy and the free market, this dissertation examines the prevalent assumption that political democratization and economic liberalization are mutually reinforcing processes. More specifically, it explores the complementary dynamic between democracy and the market within the changing political economy of Bangladesh. It also analyzes the role of civil society, including NGOs, in sustainable democratic development in the next millennium.
Outlining some of the contradictions generated by structural economic reforms, this study suggests that, instead of creating the conditions for democratic consolidation, economic liberalization is likely to undermine the future of constitutional democracy. It finds that, while market reform programs usually create pressures for democratization, they can equally upset the hope of institutionalizing democracy in places where and times when the costs and benefits of economic reforms are distributed disproportionately.
As well, this research raises question about the popular assumption that civil society acts as a key force for democracy and development. It holds that both the role and meaning of civil society depend on particular socio-political contexts. This dissertation also argues that, although civil society is expected to protect and promote popular interests, an overly politicized civil society could actually weaken the process of democratization and development.
Similarly, this dissertation casts profound doubts on the widely held belief that NGOs enable disadvantaged groups, particularly women, to be empowered in a sustainable manner. It argues that, due to their excessive reliance on foreign funds, development NGOs may focus more on fulfilling the requirements of their major donors than on grassroots democratization, development and empowerment of the poor. The inability of most development NGOs to adopt internal democratic practices also significantly reduces their capability to promote democracy and development at the grassroots. Therefore, this study cautiously concludes that the process of giving people a right to shape their own destinies is a complex, protracted and even problematic one.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 1999.
Outlining some of the contradictions generated by structural economic reforms, this study suggests that, instead of creating the conditions for democratic consolidation, economic liberalization is likely to undermine the future of constitutional democracy. It finds that, while market reform programs usually create pressures for democratization, they can equally upset the hope of institutionalizing democracy in places where and times when the costs and benefits of economic reforms are distributed disproportionately.
As well, this research raises question about the popular assumption that civil society acts as a key force for democracy and development. It holds that both the role and meaning of civil society depend on particular socio-political contexts. This dissertation also argues that, although civil society is expected to protect and promote popular interests, an overly politicized civil society could actually weaken the process of democratization and development.
Similarly, this dissertation casts profound doubts on the widely held belief that NGOs enable disadvantaged groups, particularly women, to be empowered in a sustainable manner. It argues that, due to their excessive reliance on foreign funds, development NGOs may focus more on fulfilling the requirements of their major donors than on grassroots democratization, development and empowerment of the poor. The inability of most development NGOs to adopt internal democratic practices also significantly reduces their capability to promote democracy and development at the grassroots. Therefore, this study cautiously concludes that the process of giving people a right to shape their own destinies is a complex, protracted and even problematic one.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Dalhousie University (Canada), 1999.
Keywords
Political Science, General., Sociology, Social Structure and Development.