Mission Trips in Mexico: The Ethics of Foreign Aid
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Date
2021
Authors
Hodges, Riley
Mortland, Emma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This study seeks to explore the ethics of US foreign aid and the White Savior Complex by evaluating mission trips to Mexico. It seeks to address whether the majority of mission trips to Mexico provide the promised long-term solutions that benefit the community. In order to address this aim, our research focused on key features of successful foreign aid models and compared them to those of current mission trips to Mexico. We also explored the effects of current mission trips on local communities. Overall, this research pointed to the reality that the Mexico-based mission trips this study examined are often harmful to local communities. It illustrates the importance of improving the current mission trip structure and suggests concrete changes such increasing collaboration more with local communities, redirecting funds into the community, and properly educating mission leaders and participants. Our findings strongly suggest that there is a need to reevaluate the current foreign aid models in a way that focuses on creating long-term, community-based solutions. Even with good intentions, unethical foreign aid can be disempowering and detrimental to communities. Improving the existing approach to mission trips can support communities in need while effectively combatting and dismantling White Saviorism. This new model will provide for productive foreign aid, incorporate local communities in a dignified way, while allowing missionaries to reflect on internalized societal racism.
Description
1 page.
Keywords
mission trips, foreign aid, ethics, White Savior Complex, voluntourism