Whose Reality Counts?: Putting the First Last

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Whose Reality Counts?: Putting the First Last

Publication Details

Written by Robert Chambers
Year of Publication 1997
Keywords Anthropology of DevelopmentDevelopment ProfessionalsDevelopment StudiesIndigenous KnowledgePartcipationParticipatory ApproachesSocial DevelopmentRural Development
Cover Description In this sequel to Rural Development: Putting the Last First, Robert Chambers argues that central issues in development have been overlooked, and that many past errors have flowed from domination by those with power. Development professionals now need new approaches and methods for interacting, learning and knowing. Through analyzing experience – of past mistakes and myths, and of the continuing methodological revolution of PRA (participatory rural appraisal) – the author points towards solutions. In many countries, urban and rural people alike have shown an astonishing ability to express and analyze their local, complex and diverse realities that are often at odds with the top-down realities imposed by professionals.

The author argues that personal, professional and institutional change is essential if the realities of the poor are to receive greater recognition. Self-critical awareness and changes in concepts, values, methods and behavior must be developed to explore the new high ground of participation and empowerment. Whose Reality Counts? presents a radical challenge to all concerned with development, whether practitioners, researchers or policy-makers, in all organizations and disciplines, and at all levels from fieldworkers to the heads of agencies. With its thrust of putting the first last it presents a new, exciting and above all practical agenda for future development which cannot be ignored.

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In this widely read book Robert Chambers provides us with real food for thought. His analysis of the development profession and the way that change isinstigated on behalf of others calls into question many assumptionsthat underpin mainstream development practice.

Perhaps more importantly this book solicitsself-questioning about our own roles in contributing to imaginingrealities for those we aim to serve; many of which are increasinglyacknowledged as misconstrued.

This is book is accessible, passionately written yet rigorous in itsanalysis, and in our opinion should be mandatory reading for anycurrent or aspiring development professional.

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