Abstract

OCHMAN, Marta. Between autonomy and dependence: the challenges of cooperation between government and civil society on development projects. Intersticios sociales [online]. 2018, n.16, pp.97-130. ISSN 2007-4964.

This paper discusses some of the results of a research project on the impact that funding rules have on the ability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to implement projects that impact the development of marginalized communities. The main objective is to demonstrate the negative impact of current praxis on the performance and efficacy of Mexican SCO and their autonomy. The study was conducted using a qualitative method (semi-structured interviews) to reconstruct the experiences and perceptions of the principle stakeholders involved. The main structural problems identified include short-term financing, thematic isomorphism, and evaluation schemes that are inadequate for measuring long-term impact on development. Short-term problems, meanwhile, focus on political isomorphism and policymakers’ lack of any adequate understanding of how to best promote development.

Keywords : organizational empowerment; civil society.