Jaitli, Namrata2024-11-132024-11-130000Jaitli, N. (n.d.). Participation: Building Perspectives. PRIA.http://192.9.200.215:4000/handle/123456789/179This paper provides an in-depth review of the concept of participation in development, addressing its historical evolution, different definitions, and the multifaceted roles it plays in community development. The author categorizes various interpretations of participation and explores its relevance in both project-based and empowerment-focused frameworks. It discusses the functions of participation—instrumental, political, social, and psychological—and highlights the challenges and concerns related to its manipulation and spontaneity in real-world development practices. The paper is aimed at researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of community-based development and participatory research.This document explores the concept of participation in development from various perspectives, including its definition, functions, and nature. It delves into the instrumental, political, social, and psychological functions of participation in development, with a focus on empowering the marginalized sections of society. The text also critically examines the different ways participation is defined, with a particular emphasis on its role in rural development and social change. The document includes a review of various definitions of participation by researchers and international agencies and highlights the challenges of manipulating or co-opting participation in development initiatives.enParticipationCommunity DevelopmentEmpowermentRural DevelopmentParticipatory ResearchPolitical FunctionSocial FunctionWorking Paper