Opportunities, limits and challenges of perceptions studies for humanitarian contexts
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2-2016
Journal
Canadian Journal of Development Studies
Volume
37
Issue
3
First Page
358
Last Page
377
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1080/02255189.2015.1120659
Abstract
© 2016 Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID). This article aims to advance understanding and discussion of perceptions studies as a method for strengthening humanitarian performance. Perceptions studies are qualitative studies produced for and often by humanitarian organisations, based on analysis of local perceptions of humanitarian efforts. While these studies are normatively asserted as valuable within the humanitarian sector, there has been no synthesis to date of their potential and limitations. This critical review of 59 perceptions-related documents responds to that gap, outlining key assertions of the value added and challenges of using perceptions studies in humanitarian work. While the objective is to inform and strengthen future use of this method, the perceptions literature also points to significant tension between this qualitative method and dominant expectations in humanitarian monitoring and evaluation.