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

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.

Professor Stephen Brown is a full Professor at the School of Political Studies and the School of International Development and Global Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences. His expertise spans democratization, political violence, peacebuilding, and transitional justice, with a focus on African countries. Recently, Professor Brown has turned his attention to international LGBTQI+ rights, cementing his position as an influential professor at the University of Ottawa. His research has taken him across the globe, with visiting scholarships in Europe, South Africa, and the UK, demonstrating the international recognition of his work in uOttawa social sciences research.

Titled « When development cooperation principles clash : Country ownership and LGBTQI+ inclusion in hostile environments », Professor 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.

Professor Brown's research has far-reaching implications for development practitioners, policymakers, and human rights advocates. By proposing a way to reconcile seemingly conflicting principles, his work could influence how international organizations and governments approach LGBTQI+ inclusion in development programs worldwide. This study exemplifies the Faculty of Social Sciences' commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through rigorous, applied research.

The potential applications of Brown's framework extend beyond LGBTQI+ rights to other marginalized groups, highlighting the broader relevance of his work. As debates around decolonizing aid and localizing development efforts intensify, Professor Brown's research offers a timely and nuanced perspective that could shape future policy and practice in international development.

To learn more about Professor Stephen Brown's work and other leading researchers at uOttawa, visit the Faculty of Social Sciences’ research webpage. Explore Collabzium and discover how our innovative social sciences studies are driving positive change and addressing critical global issues.