Author: Debal K SinghaRoy
Publisher: Sage Publications
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 248
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0761995595
Description
Examining the concept of empowerment in contemporary development discourse, the contributors maintain that the notion of empowerment as something given from above merely allows pre-existing power structures to prevail. Establishing the crucial relationship between the theory and practice.
Of social development and empowerment, this imprint volume will be of interest to social activists.
In the wake of globalization, a paradigm shift in the development strategy of the state, proliferation of grassroots mobilsations and the emergence of a new collective identity among marginalized groups, the concepts of social development and empowerment have acquired new connotations. Bringing together original contributions from scholars, researchers and social activists, this volume explores the initiatives, strategies and potential obstacles in the way of the social development and empowerment of the marginalised in the current scenario.
Further, consequent to globalization and the introduction of free market economics, inequalities and social fragmentation are likely to be aggravated. The dominant model of development planning is criticized for its promotion of capitalism and globalization, as is the failure of constitutional provisions in improving the lives of marginalized sections of society.
In this framework, the contributors contend that here is the need for an alternative model for sustainable, self-reliant and participatory development and the formation of a new collective identity through civil society and social movements.
To illustrate these possibilities, the contributors present various success stories including panchayati raj institutions, workers’, cooperatives, women’s participation in decision-making process and education through the open learning system. These examples emphasize the significant role that collective identify formation and collative participation can play in the empowerment of marginalized groups.
Finally, then contributors explore the role of constructional and legislative measures in social development empowerment. They conclude that there is a pressing need for a separate decentralized scheme for tribal administration which should be in keeping t with customary and laws and systems of traditional community management.
Establishing the crucial relationship between the theory and practice of social development and empowerment, this imprint volume will be of interest to social activists, policy makers, development specialists a and social workers as well as those involved in gender studies, sociology, public administration and political science.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Debal K. SinghaRoy
1.On the Concept of Empowerment - Manoranjan Mohanty
2.Marginalisation and the role of Social Development:
The Significance of globalization, the state and Social Movements-David Roy Cox
3.Towards an alternative Paradigm of Development - Jaganath Pathy
4.Meaning for an Alternative Strategy - Ramashray Roy
5.Critical Issues in Grassroots Mobilisation and Collective Action - Debal K. SinghaRoy
6.Worker cooperatives and Empowerment of the Marginalised - Sharit K. Bhowmik
7.Rethinking social Development with Women:
An Arduous Journey Ahead - Kumud Sharma
8.Peasant women Organise for Empowerment: the Bankura Experiment - Vina Mazumdar
9.Voluntary Action for social Development and Empowering the Marginalised in Bhihar - Sanchchidananda
10.Empowerment of Tribes
11.Distance education for Empowerment- a case of Human Rights Education at IGNOU - Pandav Nayak
About the Editor and Contributors
Index