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Theoretical Foundations and Practical Implications

Many of the arguments made in favour of participation do not capture the reality of the dynamics of community participation, as they exclude the inherent hierarchies, power differentials and socio-economic disparities in local communities.

Privileging the local in policy formulations without understanding this important characteristic of communities could mean the sanctioning of differences of money and social power, which in turn could mean the exclusion of those who do not have such power.

What I resent most, however, is not his inheritance of a power he so often disclaims, disengaging himself from the system he carries with him, but his ear, eye, and pen, which record in his language while pretending to speak through mine, on my behalf.

– Trinh Minha-ha, Women, Native, Other
[quoted in Preston 1995]