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Essay / Humanitarian Response in Haiti by Mark Schuller: Analysis of Modern Global Humanitarianism
In his book, Humanitarian Response in Haiti, Mark Schuller uses an anthropological lens to examine the state of modern global humanitarianism and development in through a recording of the humanitarian response after the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti. In the book, Schuller highlights how humanitarian groups based in Port-au-Prince responded to widespread homelessness caused by the natural disaster. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay It implores the reader to consider several “unintended consequences” that go beyond the basic needs of aid recipients. Sculler confronts and ultimately supports the idea that the philanthropic response to the earthquake led to a secondary crisis, punishing Haitian communities based on a lack of humanitarian due diligence. He urges us to recognize that disaster response and other philanthropic projects are rooted in a strong set of Western cultural ideals disguised as altruism, which negatively impact the cultures they are intended to benefit, in this case Haitian culture. Schuller's argument universally addresses the ways in which highly local forms of cultural unity and expression are tainted by the neoliberal basis of philanthropic work. Schuller's critique of global humanitarianism is based on research conducted over a four-year period, including his observations of eight different displaced persons camps. With a team of Haitian-American and Haitian-born university students, Schuller uses both quantitative and qualitative family surveys. as well as interviews with camp residents and humanitarian aid professionals. Considering the beneficial implications of foreign aid, Schuller emphasizes Haitian perspectives. It establishes the main themes of each chapter by beginning with an interview, which becomes a powerful point of reference for the reader. Humanitarian aftershocks in Haiti offer a central insight into the complex community dynamics of life in an internally displaced persons camp. Schuller's analysis of eight different displaced persons camps reveals common themes regarding family composition, gender, and deeply influential relationships. By regularly taking an interest in Haitian perspectives, Schuller allows locals to guide his analysis. Schuller departs from the neoliberal view that IDP camps and their inhabitants are banal examples of national underdevelopment and social failings. Schuller describes how these camps were originally constructed and the organization of domestic dynamics within these camps. Throughout his experience, Schuller recounts the influence of professional practices of humanitarian organizations on the local social structure. In chapter 4, Schuller explains how the role of women in Haitian society faded after the earthquake. He says that as mothers and heads of households, women were subject to a patriarchal hierarchy that forced them to be submissive. The poverty of Haitian society as well as traditional patriarchy has led to women being abandoned by their male counterparts and having to sacrifice resources for their children. The humanitarian aid Haiti received also caused physical and emotional distress among Haitian women after the disaster. The distribution of ration cards to men created a.