ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the concept of inclusion in development is identified by the role of voice and knowledge of local actors in the development process. Broadly termed “participation,” attempts to make the process of development more inclusive through the engagement of diverse actors has been closely followed by scholars for several decades. Development scholars have followed a variety of populations whose participation has been targeted by development organizations. Among the actors named as development participants are women; persons with disabilities; people living in extreme poverty; religious entities outside of mainstream development work; those residing in rural areas; and immigrants. In this chapter the broad concepts of participation are reviewed, followed by an overview of literature that is critical of participation from both effectiveness and political standpoints.
