Systems of capture: reassessing the threat of local elites

For e copy: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2008/03/26/000333037_20080326012033/Rendered/PDF/430690NWP01NO01Capture1Local0Elites.pdf

This paper draws on a qualitative panel study of village politics in ten rural localities in Andhra Pradesh in order to examine the changes in configurations of local elites across two local elections. These case studies highlight the complex and contextual nature of elite capture as it evolves in rural India as well as the importance of recognizing the crucial role that elites play in driving and distorting participatory development initiatives. The analysis presented here builds on recent evidence of the erosion of traditional forms of authority vested with the high caste and major landowners in Indian villages. Within this fluid social context it is, however, found that informal systems of capture can evolve that regulate and constrain the potential for divisive forms of capture. These informal systems do have a cost which is manifested in rent seeking or corruption. It is argued that ordinary villagers perceive that a portion of this cost is a reward for the vital services performed by their local leaders. Hence, at least in the short and medium term, the focus of community driven development and local governance projects should be on harnessing informal systems of capture to ensure pro-poor outcomes.