Title: Participation the community work way

Authors: Val Woodward

Addresses: Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK

Abstract: In this paper, I draw on my extensive experience within community work to consider positive forms of participation. These considerations are specifically related to a consultation exercise I carried out as part of a gender audit of local planning in Plymouth, UK. The planning authority, the local council, had a stated commitment to governance through stimulating people to participate vigorously in civil society. This reflects recent literature arguing for a more participative, deliberative democracy. That literature is referred to, but within the context of adhering to community work philosophy. Underpinning this paper is a commitment to working towards greater social justice, mirroring community work values. Whilst the ||Gender Audit of Local Planning in Plymouth|| consultation exercise forms the base for this paper, issues arising from this case study are contextualised within empowering processes of individual, collective and societal change and transformation. It is suggested that positive participative practices should embrace such an approach.

Keywords: community work; participation; deliberation; democracy; social justice; transformation; power; governance; agency; gender.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2003.003339

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2003 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.3 - 19

Published online: 28 Aug 2003 *

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