{"id":554,"date":"2011-05-11T11:58:45","date_gmt":"2011-05-11T10:58:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/edswahs\/?p=554"},"modified":"2011-05-11T11:58:45","modified_gmt":"2011-05-11T10:58:45","slug":"the-wrong-values","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/edswahs\/2011\/05\/11\/the-wrong-values\/","title":{"rendered":"The Wrong Values"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the aftermath of the 1953 uprising in East Germany, which arose because of the population\u2019s failure to appreciate government efforts to build a socialist paradise for them, Bertolt Brecht wrote the following in Die L\u00f6sung:<\/p>\n

After the uprising of the 17th of June <\/em><\/p>\n

The Secretary of the Writers Union<\/em><\/p>\n

Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee <\/em><\/p>\n

Stating that the people<\/em><\/p>\n

Had thrown away the confidence of the government <\/em><\/p>\n

And could win it back only<\/em><\/p>\n

By redoubled efforts. \u00a0Would it not be easier <\/em><\/p>\n

In that case for the government<\/em><\/p>\n

To dissolve the people <\/em><\/p>\n

And elect another?<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I was reminded of this, somewhat obliquely, and no doubt unfairly, as I read Andrew Darnton\u2019s recent report for Oxfam \/ DfID:\u00a0Finding Frames<\/a>: new ways to engage the UK public in global poverty. \u00a0 The report begins:<\/em><\/p>\n

The aim of the study was to explore the potential for frames theory to be used as a practical tool to re-engage the UK public in global poverty \u2013 an objective not pursued in concert by the\u00a0development sector since Make Poverty History in 2005. \u00a0In exploring the uses of frames theory, we have built on work by Tom Crompton at WWF-UK, who began the task of linking values to frames and thereby suggesting new ways forward for engaging the public in environmental issues and actions. \u00a0An important finding from his Common Cause paper is that there is a common set of values that can motivate people to tackle a range of \u2018bigger than self\u2019 problems, including the environment and global poverty. \u00a0The implication is that large coalitions can \u2013 and must \u2013 be built across third-sector organisations to bring about a values change in society. \u00a0This report responds to that call.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is a very interesting read, and I do commend it to you, especially the parts around values and framing, but the implication could hardly be clearer: the trouble with the British is that we've got the wrong values. \u00a0To put this even more starkly: we don't share DfID's and its associated NGOs' values in relation to addressing global poverty \u2013 not that I wish to imply that anyone is going to be calling on Russian tanks any time soon to impress their seriousness on the public.<\/p>\n

In relation to all this, the report's discussion of public reaction to the notion that corruption might be a factor in global poverty and the problems alleviating this, is illuminating. \u00a0This citing of corruption is widespread, as various research studies have pointed out and seems a reason that people give for inaction \u2013 the report calls this an \"excuse\" which is not quite the same thing and shows something of its bias. \u00a0The report suggests that corruption or the ineffectiveness of aid is something that campaigners should shy away from.<\/p>\n

These [Corruption \/ Aid effectiveness] are cited as examples of current negative framings. \u00a0Other such negatives are:<\/p>\n

Charity \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Aid \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Development \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Communications \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Campaigns<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Rather than emphasise such activity and ways of thinking, alternative, positive frames are put forward. \u00a0These are:<\/p>\n

Justice \/ Fairness \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Movements \/ NGOs \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Mutual support \/ Partnership<\/em><\/p>\n

Well-being \/ Freedom \/ Responsibility \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Good \/ bad governance \/ Fraud<\/em><\/p>\n

Conversations \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Engagements \/ Dialogues<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The report notes:<\/p>\n

\"These alternative frames should be regarded as range finders, suggested to help others find positive ways of framing their messages.\"<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You will need to read the report, however, if you are to understand just why talking about corruption is bad whilst discussing bad governance isn't, as I'm not sure I can do justice to the argument, especially in a blog which is already over-long. \u00a0Perhaps you should<\/em> read this report as it affects how you will be targeted by NGOs in the future. \u00a0As a reward, if you persevere to page 109 you'll find a provocative section on charity shops, and by now you'll understand something of their problem, given that how we refer to them is doubly negatively framed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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