Unintended Revolution – Middle Class, Development, and Non–Governmental Organizations

Unintended Revolution describes the ways in which development performed in and by nongovernmental organizations in an Indian metropolis serves as a tool for reinforcing and improving social standing. Anna Romanowicz argues that the NGO environment gives a particular opportunity to middle class members whose cultural and economic capital are (re)produced in such an environment. She concludes that the ineffectiveness of development lies in the interest of this group and as such reflects neoliberal policies more broadly. She also argues that class status is the most important factor in acquiring a job position in a contemporary NGO, and that this cuts across gender, caste, and nationality, as well as other identities.