Vikas Goyal , India
17 June 2024

This article really resonated with me. The idea that the way aid organizations talk about recipients can actually be counterproductive is something I hadn't considered before.

The story about the different narratives used in the cash transfer experiment is particularly powerful. It highlights how simply changing the language used can have a big impact on people's self-esteem and motivation.

I also appreciate the point about using person-first language. "People experiencing poverty" sounds much more respectful than "the poor."

For me, the most important takeaway is the idea of empowering narratives. Shifting the focus to people's strengths and potential feels like a much more positive way to approach development work.

Thanks for sharing this important message!