Professor, University of California
Dr. O'Connell is a sociologist specializing in the effects of humanitarian interventions and the complexities of aid dynamics.
Good intentions aren't enough — and sometimes they actively make things worse. Dr. Paul Farmer, Dr. Mary O'Connell, and Dr. Amartya Sen examine what happens when the drive to help overlooks the actual needs of those being helped, and why the most well-meaning interventions can end up generating dependency, resentment, and harm.
