Communication for Development and Social Change: Theories and Practices

Communication for Development and Social Change introduces readers to the foundational concepts of development communication including key theories and models that shape diverse perspectives. It provides a robust
framework for understanding and applying the theoretical, practical and creative skills essential to the study of development communication.

The book enhances understanding of development processes, focusing on their role in driving social change, public development programmes and advocacy efforts. It explores interactive approaches to working with communities, creating tailored messages and utilising various communication channels to foster positive behaviours and sustain individual, community and societal change. Additionally, it highlights the importance of communication in promoting social and behavioural transformation, with a particular focus on its application in health, social and other development fields.

This book serves as an ideal textbook for students and researchers in communication for development, journalism and mass communication, sociology, development studies, public health and women and gender studies. It is also an invaluable resource for professionals in media, government, NGOs and the advertising sector. With its comprehensive approach, the book is well suited for adoption as a textbook in South Asia, North America and parts of Africa, where communication for development is a key area of study at graduate and postgraduate levels.

Ravindra Kumar Vemula is Professor in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at The English and Foreign Languages University, Shillong Campus, India. His research focuses on development communication specialising in health communication, new media and communication policy. He has published extensively, including books with Routledge and Palgrave Macmillan.