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Participation, Empowerment and Sustainability: (How) Do the Links Work?

Author

Listed:
  • Michal Lyons

    (Faculty of the Built Environment, South Bank University, 202 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2JZ, UK, lyonsm@sbu.ac.uk)

  • Carin Smuts

    (CS Studio Architects, 42 Vredehoek Avenue, Cape Town 8001, South Africa. csstudio@mweb.co.za)

  • Anthea Stephens

    (Faculty of the Built Environment, South Bank University, 202 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2JZ, UK, anthea.stephens@xsinet.co.za)

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between participation, empowerment and sustainability. Using the multisectoral and multicontextual experience of participation amassed in South Africa, both pre- and post- apartheid , we address two questions: does participation lead to empowerment; and does empowerment, in turn, lead to sustainability? Further, what external factors mediate and influence that relationship? Analysis shows that a relationship does exist and is contingent on a number of contextual factors, crucial to its success. Findings are discussed in terms of the international literature on community participation and local democracy, and policy implications are identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Michal Lyons & Carin Smuts & Anthea Stephens, 2001. "Participation, Empowerment and Sustainability: (How) Do the Links Work?," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 38(8), pages 1233-1251, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:38:y:2001:i:8:p:1233-1251
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980125039
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Keith Pezzoli, 1997. "Sustainable Development: A Transdisciplinary Overview of the Literature," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(5), pages 549-574.
    2. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
    3. Paul Selman, 1998. "Local Agenda 21: Substance or Spin?," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(5), pages 533-553.
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    1. Aga, Deribe Assefa, 2016. "Factors affecting the success of development projects : A behavioral perspective," Other publications TiSEM 867ae95e-d53d-4a68-ad46-6, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    2. Cieslik, Katarzyna, 2016. "Moral Economy Meets Social Enterprise Community-Based Green Energy Project in Rural Burundi," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 12-26.
    3. Deribe Assefa Aga & N. Noorderhaven & B. Vallejo, 2018. "Project beneficiary participation and behavioural intentions promoting project sustainability: The mediating role of psychological ownership," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(5), pages 527-546, September.
    4. Muhammad Shakil Ahmad & Noraini Bt. Abu Talib, 2016. "Analysis of Community Empowerment on Projects Sustainability: Moderating Role of Sense of Community," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 129(3), pages 1039-1056, December.
    5. Gregory Nguh Muluh & Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi & Ngwa Kester Azibo, 2019. "Challenges and Prospects of Sustaining Donor-Funded Projects in Rural Cameroon," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-25, December.

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