This annotated bibliography reviews a broad selection
of literature on the subject of citizen participation and local governance,
including theoretical debates and case studies, and suggests approaches
for both policy makers and practitioners. It is divided into four sections,
preceded by an introductory
overview.
The first
section includes resources on current theoretical concepts
and debates on 'citizenship' and 'participation' especially in the context
of decentralisation.
The second
section brings together reports, articles, workshop write-ups,
manuals and academic research on the different strategies and mechanisms
that citizens are using around the world in order to forge new links
with the state and participate in local governance.
The third
section reviews literature on the responsiveness of local
government to citizen demands and participation. Here such state-led
initiatives as participatory budgeting, and deliberative forums are
analysed.
The fourth
section addresses the question of
which conditions are necessary to promote meaningful space for democratic
social change at the local level, and which are more likely to re-enforce
patterns of political and social inequality. The literature is drawn
from experiences across the globe but features especially India, the
Philippines, Mexico, UK, USA, Brazil and Bolivia.
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