The role of human recognition in development

This paper introduces the concept of human recognition and examines its role in development. Human recognition is defined as the extent to which an individual is acknowledged by others to be of inherent value by virtue of being a fellow human being. A review of literature in various disciplines on related concepts helps to establish the foundation for the study of human recognition and to distinguish it from other concepts. The paper describes human recognition, the domains in which individuals receive it, and its psychic and material effects on well-being. Human recognition influences development outcomes and, conversely, development programmes and policies can influence human recognition through the content of interventions and through how interventions are implemented. By defining human recognition and analyzing its role in economic development, the paper identifies and examines an aspect of development that has not been directly studied before.