Citation

Dauti M. Br. J. Soc. Work 2017; 47(2): 561-578.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/bjsw/bcw019

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We examine the interactions of the poor with government officials in Albania--a country characterised by low levels of government transparency and accountability. Drawing on participant observation conducted in municipal departments, we address two questions: How do the poor interact with officials? How do the poor hold officials accountable and make their voices heard? Eleven weekly meetings between the mayor, vice mayor and community members were attended in three municipalities. Using a grounded-theory approach, we found that, while interacting with officials, the poor use three techniques of persuasion: appeals to personal ties, political loyalty and equity. By using these strategies, the poor held officials morally accountable, hoping to increase their responsiveness and receive better treatment. This study shows that, while the Albanian poor often experience exclusion and discrimination in municipal departments, portraying them as powerless would be overly simplistic. In the midst of corruption, inequality and political polarisation, the poor act strategically. Ultimately, however, their strategies reinforce rather than challenge the practices that marginalise them. We conclude by discussing implications for anti-corruption strategies and social work practitioners.