Spaces of Aid: How Cars, Compounds and Hotels Shape Humanitarianism

by Lisa Smirl

One of the most common laments of aid workers is that the relatively cushy conditions of working in the field can contrast uncomfortably with their mission goals. Aid workers often visit project sites in air-conditioned Land Cruisers while the intended beneficiaries walk barefoot through the heat. Similarly, workers may check e-mail from within gated compounds while surrounding communities have no electricity or running water. While such observations might seem obvious, no academic study to date has dealt with the impact of these disparities on theory or policy, until now.

In Spaces of Aid, Lisa Smirl brilliantly analyzes two high-profile case studies—the Aceh tsunami and Hurricane Katrina—in order to uncover a fascinating history of the material objects that are an endemic yet unexamined part of the aid landscape. Smirl provides the first book-length exploration of how aid work has gradually become detached from the lives of those it seeks to help.

Genres: Geography

264 pages, Hardcover

First published March 12, 2015

Reviews

[SpaceBear]

Smirl's book looks at how the physical space of humanitarians impacts the success (or not) of their work. She discusses how the spaces humanitarians occupy (the landrover, the 'grand hotel', the compound) both limit and define humanitarian understandings, which leads them to conduct planning from a liminal space between 'the field' and their homes, an understanding which is built to their view, not those of the beneficiaries.

[Daniel Mardi]

Good introduction to understanding field work on ground and the intrusive nature of certain entities. Uses two great case examples. Also very well written.

[Naeem]

The language is a bit technical for the lay-reader because it meant as an academic contribution. Also, I am not sure there is anything new and exciting for those who have read, for example, Edkins' book, Whose Hunger?

But if you hang in with her, there are lots of enjoyable details. For example, the discussion of how donors see the building of houses in post-tsunami Aceh as a gift whereas the locals see them as commodities; for example, the lens of space -- hotels, compounds, SUVs - by which to examine aid is novel and insightful; for example, the discussion of the role of architectural design in the NOLA chapter is revealing.

The two best chapters (4 and 5) are her field sites and where the details are rich. Chapter 4 on Aceh is likely the highlight of the book.

Thoughtful and rich work.