Inquiry into Participation: A Research Proposal.

This Proposal attempts to define an analytical and conceptual framework for the study of popular participation. The vigourous pursuit of people’s participation was seen as an important instrument in reversing the trend toward increased dependence and marginalization of the masses. It contained the initial version of the UNRISD definition of popular participation as “organized efforts by the hitherto excluded to increase their control over resources and regulative institutions”. This assumed the willing, informed and active involvement of people in decision-making processes. Participation was essentially a question of the distribution of power and resources in favour of the disadvantaged and disempowered. UNRISD argued that development policies should be measured primarily in terms of their effects on greater popular participation and enhancement of livelihoods.