Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences | Reconciling Development Principles for LGBTQI+ Inclusion

Faculty of Social Sciences
School of Political Studies
School of International Development and Global Studies
Research
A man with short brown hair and bright blue eyes is shown in a close-up portrait
Professor Stephen Brown, professor and researcher at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Social Sciences, has recently published research on reconciling conflicting development cooperation principles. His article explores how to balance country ownership with LGBTQI+ inclusion in hostile environments, addressing a critical gap in international development theory and practice.

Titled « When development cooperation principles clash : Country ownership and LGBTQI+ inclusion in hostile environments », Professor Stephen Brown's latest publication in the Journal of International Development tackles the apparent contradiction between two fundamental development cooperation principles: the Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) mandate for radical inclusion and the concept of country ownership in aid effectiveness. He proposes an "emancipatory" approach to ownership that prioritizes marginalized groups' perspectives, even when governments oppose their inclusion. This framework offers a novel solution to a long-standing dilemma in development practice, potentially transforming how international actors engage with LGBTQI+ rights in hostile environments.

The research draws on extensive analysis of policy documents and academic literature, showcasing Brown's ability to synthesize complex ideas into actionable insights. His work contributes significantly to uOttawa research impact by offering a practical approach to upholding universal principles while respecting local contexts.

Read the full article on Collabzium.