Human Recognition and its Role in Economic Development: A Descriptive Review

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of human recognition, defined as the acknowledgement provided to an individual by other individuals, groups, or organizations that he is of inherent value with intrinsic qualities in common with the recognizer. The sources, effects, and qualities of human recognition are described and analyzed qualitatively, and a detailed example is presented to illustrate the roles that human recognition plays in development programs. The paper uses narrative descriptions and examples to explore the mechanisms by which human recognition can enhance or undermine program objectives and directly affect the well-being of program participants. A review of research on related concepts finds that while much of this research is relevant and instructive to the study of human recognition in development settings, the concept of human recognition has not been directly addressed in existing work and that its study would help address a number of gaps in the current literature. Subsequent theoretical and empirical work is needed to formalize and test the hypotheses and models that this paper describes qualitatively.

Keywords: human recognition, economic development, health, poverty, well-being, dignity, respect, dehumanization, humiliation

JEL Classification: I31, O15, I14, O10