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Exploring the knowledge dimensions of Nongovernmental organisation campaigning on global poverty and inequality: A Network Society perspective

Gyoh, S; (2016) Exploring the knowledge dimensions of Nongovernmental organisation campaigning on global poverty and inequality: A Network Society perspective. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Abstract

Beyond taking specific action in challenging global poverty and inequality, Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO) campaigning also aims to increase public awareness and understanding about the campaign issues. However, surveys on public concern about global poverty in the United Kingdom (UK) suggest falling levels of public understanding in spite of the campaigns undertaken by NGOs, and the rise in public donations. This thesis investigates how NGOs identify, frame and communicate the information they disseminate to their campaigners as knowledge about global poverty and inequality. It is concerned with how NGO campaigning can move from providing basic awareness, to enhancing the UK’s public understanding about the causes of global poverty. The practices of two categories of NGOs were investigated in examining the modes of communication they adopt for campaigning, and opportunities for their campaigners to be involved in framing and disseminating knowledge on the campaign issue. It analysed NGO representations of global poverty as part of framing knowledge that shape public perception of global poverty, and explored how NGOs can engage with campaigners as end users of knowledge. The thesis draws on recent discussions on the distinctive modes of communication NGOs use in their advocacy, as well as Castells’ concept of Network Society in analysing NGO campaigning in an era where knowledge production is diffused. I adopted organisational knowledge theory, which proposes “knowledge” as pertinent and actionable information. The collective case study approach was used to investigate the practices of two student-led organisations and three International NGOs (INGOs) that engage in campaigning to mobilise public action through raising awareness about global poverty and inequality. I found that the practices and communication strategies of student-led organisations mediated the involvement of their campaigners in framing the campaign issues, and to become multipliers of knowledge about the campaign issue. The INGOs on the other hand targeted policy makers in their communication. I argued that an approach to campaigning that involved campaigners in identifying and framing the campaign issue provide opportunities to multiply their narratives. I proposed that NGOs could mediate the involvement of their campaigners to become catalysts for multiplying public understanding about global poverty.

Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Title: Exploring the knowledge dimensions of Nongovernmental organisation campaigning on global poverty and inequality: A Network Society perspective
Event: UCL (University College London)
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Language: English
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1476255
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