• Using networks

Using networks

In a rapidly globalising and turbulent world, the persistence of chronic poverty is one thing humankind can count on. Social, political, environmental and economic conditions all play a role in the perpetuation of global poverty. It is in this sense that chronic poverty must be seen as more than a simple lack of assets. The socio-political climate in any given society holds the key to this cycle of degradation.

The part that civil society can play in breaking this cycle is imperative. Popular protest has had revolutionary results, from the overthrow of apartheid to the achievements of the debt relief movement. This paper looks at the roles of these such social movements in addressing chronic poverty.

More specifically, the author focuses on three domains in which chronic poverty may be influenced by social movements:

• the challenge posed to the institutions, social structures and political economy dynamics that underlie chronic poverty - highlighting potential roles in changing the conditions under which accumulation occurs and attacking relationships of adverse incorporation and exclusion
• movements have played important roles in the cultural politics surrounding chronic poverty - by changing dominant meanings associated with poverty, and influencing the ways in which the poor are thought of in society
• in some instances movements - in particular social movement organisations - have direct impacts on the assets that poor people own and control.

Additionally, the weaknesses of social movements are highlighted - including internal conflict, uneven representation and capture by sub-groups. These, together with the contentious nature of social movements, often complicate any reflection on policy.

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