Navigating Community Development Conflicts: Contested Visions of Poverty & Poverty Alleviation

Area of Science:

• * Community Development
• * Ethics in Research
• * Social Determinants of Health

Background:

• * A foundation aimed to address the needs of seven batey communities in the Dominican Republic through a community development project.
• * The author conducted a large-scale needs assessment in 2014 to inform the foundation's strategic planning.
• * The project involved collaboration between the foundation, community representatives, and researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To explore an ethical dilemma arising from conflicting theories of poverty during a community development project.
• * To analyze the ethical challenges encountered in data interpretation and strategic planning phases.
• * To reflect on the ethical values and theories used to navigate the dilemma and guide future participation.

Main Methods:

• * Conducted a large-scale needs assessment using surveys (n=1,360) and focus groups (n=54).
• * Employed a collaborative approach involving community representatives and researchers.
• * Analyzed data and engaged in strategic planning processes.

Main Results:

• * Data collection, analysis, and dissemination proceeded as planned.
• * Significant ideological conflicts emerged regarding the causes and solutions of poverty.
• * These differing theories of poverty created an ethically challenging situation for the author during interpretation and planning.

Conclusions:

• * Conflicting theories of poverty present significant ethical challenges in community development research.
• * Ethical navigation requires explicit reliance on values and ethical theories.
• * Reflection on ethical practice is crucial for sustained and responsible engagement in community development.