Participation: The New Tyranny? - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1856497941 ISBN 13: 9781856497947

Publisher: Zed Books, 2001

Synopsis

This book shows how participatory government can lead to the unjust and illegitimate exercise of power. It addresses the gulf between the almost universally fashionable rhetoric of participation, promising empowerment and appropriate development. Looking at what actually happens when consultants and activists promote and practice participatory development, this book offers a sharp challenge to the advocates of participatory development. Some contributors look at particular examples of failed participatory practice; others present more conceptually-oriented analyses. Together they provide a new, rigorous, and provocative understanding of participatory development.

About this title

About the Author:

Uma Kothari is a senior lecturer in development studies at the School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester. She is coeditor of Participation: The New Tyranny, from Zed Books, and Development Theory and Practice: Critical Perspectives.

Review:

'A timely critique of the participation discourse and expose of the seductive arts of official incorporation. Essential reading for all those studying and practising international development as well as social policy nearer home.' - Geoff Wood, Professor of International Development and Director of the Institute for International Policy Analysis at the University of Bath

'This volume unmasks the moral tyranny imposed through the language of participation which has come to dominate the discourse of 'devspeak'. In exploring participatory practices from several points of view -- social psychology, sociology of management, Goffman's analysis of social performance, Foucauldian analysis of discourses and their power - it shows how radical and democratic language may be co-opted with the aim of bringing people's views and expectations into line with the plans devised, with their participation, by their betters. Makes a vital contribution to the sociology of development.' - Gavin Williams, University of Oxford

About this edition

• Publisher: Zed Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1856497941
• ISBN 13: 9781856497947
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 224
• Editor: Cooke Professor Bill, Kothari Uma