An introduction to the values gap: a framework for interpretation
Believing as I do that the assumptions we make and the values we espouse influence the perspective from which we perceive the world and thus, the frame of reference which grounds the inferences we make from our observations, I thought to share a couple of snippets from prior writing on the subject. The first is […]
Preparing for The Philipines fieldwork
The next phase of the fieldwork, in The Philipines starts from the 20th of February in a small village of approximately 2000 people about an hour outside Iloilo city. Fascinating history dating back to before the Spanish occupation but I don't know if I'll get the opportunity to explore the actual city. The Western Visayas […]
Flexible systems accomodate unpredictable circumstances
Statue of Veer Hammir that's not officially unveiled yet, Sawai Madhopur, India Every hometown has its hero and Ranthambhore is no different. Rana Hammir (or Hamir) was a chivalrous romantic figure, a Rajput warrior king who held Ranthambhore Fort in the heart of what is now the National Park against the Delhi Sultanate. Here's a […]
When silver is in season
Chandiwala, Sawai Madhopur, India January 4th 2009 Mine is a seasonal business, the making of traditional silver ornaments that are worn by married women and a part of her dowry. This is still early, you are lucky today that I happen to be working on these anklets. It will start to get very busy in […]
Coming soon: more stories from Malawi
Our friend, John Lumbe, who blogs at Ambitious and has his own Flickrstream, will be helping the Prepaid Economy project remotely from Malawi. Studying at the Malawi College of Accountancy, John is working his way through school. Expect to hear from him over the next few months, in the meantime, here is a short story […]
Collection: Pay as you go or prepaid economy?
The basic concept for this project emerged from a series of observations covering the themes of managing on irregular and unpredictable incomes, informal economies at the BoP as well as the popularity of the “prepaid” model which enable micro purchases on demand. These weak signals of change were seen globally and here are all the […]
Assumption filter
Watching bricks being unloaded at construction site Barbershop quartet Renovating the porch Queuing up at the pump
The ability to choose your tradeoffs is empowering
Sari shop, Old Delhi, India, January 9th 2009 Sonia is just 26 years old. She went to work at age 9, when other little girls were going to school. She didn't say if she started working as a gofer in a beauty parlour after school and actually graduated, though it seems likely since she sounded […]
Boot polish
Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, January 9th 2009 Yes, I've been sitting right here in this very spot for the past 8 or 10 years. Its not bad work really, I average about Rs 200 to Rs 250 per day in earnings. I charge Rs 5 for cleaning these leather shoes of yours, haven't you been […]
‘Life Is Like A Casino – We Live Each Day As It Comes’: from Zimbabwe
From IPS News comes a fascinating account of life at the bottom of the pyramid on an irregular and unpredictable income, some key snippets: Long lines of stalls, run by women, have sprung up next to many of Zimbabwe’s highways, selling honey, milk, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and chickens. As prices in towns skyrocket due to […]
