Power of Labelling

What does it mean to be part of the mass known as 'The Poor'? What visions are conjured up in our minds when someone is labelled 'Muslim'? What assumptions do we make about their needs, desirability, security and disposability? How do we react individually and as a society? Who develops the labels, what power do they carry and how do such labels affect how people are treated? This timely book tackles the critical and controversial issue of how people are labelled and categorized and how their problems are framed and dealt with. Drawing on vast international experience and current theory, the authors examine how labels are constituted and applied by governments and aid agencies. It also examines how power relations are amplified or set on collision courses by labelling, and how the labelled view themselves and often act contrary to their externally applied labels or, in some cases, accept the labels. Coverage includes analysis of labels in current development and aid practice in a number of contexts. Importantly, the authors provide suggestions for how policy markers and professionals can tackle negative forms of labelling, including how 'counter-labelling' might influence key concerns such as poverty reduction, human rights, race relations and security.