* Comprehensive examination of how labels such as "The Poor," or
"Asylum Seeker" are created and applied and how these labels shape power
relations in development and aid work* Authored by leading development
practitioners and researchers from the Institute of Development Studies
and including international case studies addressing gender, race, religion,
poverty and power in various contexts
* Hands-on recommendations for tackling stigmatizing labels and methods
for creating new, empowering labels and constructive ways to frame
development problems

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 labeled Muslim? And what
assumptions do we make about their needs, desirability, security and
disposability? How do we react individually and as a society? Who develops
these labels, what power do the labels carry and how do such labels affect
how people are treated?

This timely book tackles the critical and controversial issue of how people
are labeled 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 labeling, and how the labeled 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 makers
and professionals can tackle negative forms of labeling, including how counter-
labeling might influence key concerns such as poverty reduction, human rights,
race relations, and security.

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