IDEAS Globally has a commitment to make and scale positive social change. Our work is
always backed by academic, scientific, and professional research. As part of this commitment,
we aim to broadcast and simplify the latest advances in sectors relating to international
development. If you or a colleague has a unique perspective that would benefit others, we'd
love to share it.
IDEAS Insights are short articles, offering snapshots into international development for both our
community and the public. All Insights are published free of charge at: www.ideasglobally.com
If you'd like to contribute, contact our Director of Research & Communication, Joel Sugarman,
for close support: [email protected]
Summary:
Participation in development is often treated as an addendum, rather than as a primary goal.
Here, a case is made for participation as a primary outcome for development initiatives, based
on the capability approach: greater participation leads to greater freedoms, and greater
freedoms enable communities to improve themselves.
Decision-making as participation
Communities as free agents
Development as freedom
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The Capability Approach
Implications for participation
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References
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