Items related to WHOSE REALITY COUNTS SE
Synopsis
In this sequel to "Rural Development: Putting the last first" Robert Chambers argues that central issues in development have been overlooked, and that many past errors have flowed from domination by those with power. Development professionals now need new approaches and methods for interacting, learning and knowing. Through analyzing experience - of past mistakes and myths, and of the continuing methodological revolution of PRA (participatory rural appraisal) - the author points towards solutions. In many countries, urban and rural people alike have shown an astonishing ability to express and analyze their local, complex and diverse realities which are often at odds with the top-down realities imposed by professionals. The author argues that personal, professional and institutional change is essential if the realities of the poor are to receive greater recognition. Self-critical awareness and changes in concepts, values, methods and behaviour must be developed to explore the new high ground of participation and empowerment.
"Whose Reality Counts?" presents a radical challenge to all concerned with development, whether practitioners, researchers or policy-makers, in all organizations and disciplines, and at all levels from fieldworkers to the heads of agencies. With its thrust of putting the first last it presents a new, exciting and above all practical agenda for future development which cannot be ignored.
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Synopsis
This volume explores the boundaries of participatory rural appraisal (PRA). With PRA now widely adopted, with varying degress of success, the author examines the next steps as "the methodological revolution continues". The work presents an analysis of the relationship between professionals and the poor, The realities of development professionals, embracing such values as measurement and control, are at odds with those of the poor they seek to assist. Poor people's realities are instead diverse, dynamic and unpredictable, yet the professionals so often impose their own realities upon the poor. Chambers argues that professionals must adapt their approaches to bridge this gap since "we now know better what people can do, and especially poor rural people...It is more than we supposed".
About the Author
Robert Chambers is Research Associate, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex and the author of Participatory Workshops (2002) and Ideas for Development (2005).
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- PublisherITDG Publishing
- Publication date2003
- ISBN 10 1853395811
- ISBN 13 9781853395819
- BindingPaperback
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