Participatory communication working for change and development

The euphoric word 'participation' has become a permanent addition to development jargon. Yet, even though this concept has been in wide use for over a decade, there are still very few rigorous analyses of the participation phenomenon which can help under stand its dynamic, multifaceted, and kaleidoscopic nature.
This pioneering and thought-provoking volume explores the strengths, weaknesses, and complex nature of participation in diverse settings while pinpointing important related concepts such as, power and control, conscientization, empowerment, and self-reliance.
Two central themes underlie the twenty original essays: that development communication must be dialogic and trans actional; and that development communicators must play a critical role in offering new philosophies, concepts, and models which facilitate the participation of the people at all stages of the development process. With its judicious blend of theoretical mod models and case studies and its refreshing ability to challenge received wisdom concerning participation, development, and the communication process, this book will interest a very wide range of academics and practitioners as well as funding bodies and voluntary agencies.