Situating Social Assistance Providers’ Perspectives in Protracted Displacement Contexts

Cash transfers are increasingly used to support displaced populations, yet social assistance remains fragmented – shaped by local political and institutional contexts. This study, using Q methodology with 60 providers across Lebanon, Pakistan, and the DRC, identifies eight distinct perspectives. Lebanese actors show deep distrust in state and international systems, while Pakistani providers cautiously express support for coordinated, state-led approaches. DRC providers express the most diverse views, reflecting institutional failures and geopolitical tensions. Individual beliefs often diverge from institutional norms, underscoring the need for more locally embedded research. The findings highlight the importance of context-sensitive strategies when linking humanitarian aid with social protection systems.