Participation in Development: New Avenues
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Date
1989
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Abstract
Political redemocratization now occurring in numerous countries of Asia and Latin America challenges both the rule of dictators and their elitist development strategies. This essay argues that new modes of popular participation are needed in the transition to equitable development. The author classifies diverse forms of participation, assesses lessons of experience, illustrates new forms of participation in Sri Lanka and Brazil, and summarizes the strategic importance of new approaches. Participation is newly conceptualized as a "moral incentive" allowing the powerless poor to negotiate new "material incentives" for themselves, and as a leverage point permitting successful micro actors to gain entry into macro arenas of decision making. Criteria are established for authentic participation, and its indispensable role in the pursuit of equitable development and political democracy is justified.
Description
How democratization in Asia and Latin America demands not only political reform but also more equitable development. Drawing on thinkers like Paulo Freire and Ivan Illich, it defines participation as empowering marginalized groups to shape their destiny. The paper outlines types of participation based on goals, arenas, and initiating agents, with a case study of Sarvodaya in Sri Lanka. It concludes that successful participation requires a balance of moral and material incentives, plus access to resources and training.
Keywords
Sarvodaya Movement, Political Redemocratization, Development Arenas, Cultural Revolution, Theravada Buddhism
Citation
Goulet, Denis. (1989). Participation in Development: New Avenues.