An Ethnographic-Discourse Analysis of the Socio-political Effects of Interaction Between Cash Transfer Programme Authorities, Caregivers and Non-beneficiaries

Abstract

Studies of cash transfer programmes in developing countries have demonstrated the quantitative income effects of these programmes with few studies reporting the socio-political outcomes regarding cohesive social relations. Thus, there is paucity of studies in the field of social protection about the nexus of cash transfer programmes and social cohesion. Do the actions, interactions, practices of cash transfer programme officials, caregivers, and non-beneficiary community members promote cohesive social relations in a specific socio-political context? This study combines ethnographic methods with discourse analysis to investigate the socio-political effects of the actions of Ghana’s LEAP cash transfer programme community focal persons, caregivers, and non-beneficiary community members on cohesive social relations. This study demonstrates that the LEAP cash transfer programme’s targeting, enumeration and enrolment practice produces negative social relations and undermines trust between caregivers and non-beneficiary community members, and between community focal persons and non-beneficiary community members. Thus, this study contributes to an improved understanding of cash transfer programmes’ socio-political outcomes in relation to social cohesion for a better development policymaking and implementation.