Description
Book SynopsisUnderstanding the challenges in research and practice of participation in the digital era, and the important role of local governance in achieving the sustainable development goals, Community Participation and Civic Engagement in the Digital Era unfolds the complex relationship of community participation, social capital and social networks.
Singh presents an in-depth literature review alongside case studies from developing countries, showcasing the role of participation in sustainable development, and explaining how digital development creates technological tools and a virtual space for community engagement – increasing the complexity of community participation and civic engagement, and the potential for implementing the sustainable development goals at a local level. From the historic concept and forms of participation to describing and analysing the environmental and individual factors shaping practice of participation, community development interventions and local governance, the book culminates in a discussion of future work and challenges in the digital world.
Delivering a careful review of the theoretical and practical problems of community participation in the digital age and featuring applied theories and cases which appeal to public policy makers and researchers, Community Participation and Civic Engagement in the Digital Era offers a rich theoretical perspective and detailed critical review of social capital and social networks that has profound application in the fields of political science, sociology and development economics.
Trade ReviewPutting the hype about e-governance into perspective, Mudit Singh does not only point to the socially structured, unevenly realized access to digital tools of citizen participation but also the continued importance of substantial decentralization and financial devolution.
-- René Véron, Full Professor of Social Geography, the Institute of Geography and Sustainability, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
It’s rare to find a book that so adeptly links important social policy, theories of democratic participatory governance, and sophisticated network analysis. Dr. Singh has managed to do all three, drawing on years of deep involvement in the field, this book is a gem that is sure to be a go-to resource for everyone working in this field.
-- James Moody, Robert O. Keohane Professor of Sociology at Duke University, U.S.A.
Dr. Mudit Kumar Singh skillfully weaves together the threads of participatory governance, sustainable development, and digital engagement across local scales. His distinctive critical, interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach makes an innovative contribution to public policy studies globally.
-- Tammy Findlay, Professor, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada.
Table of ContentsChapter 1. History and Concept of Community Participation
Chapter 2. Forms of Participation
Chapter 3. Factors of Participation in the Digital Age
Chapter 4. Sustainable Development and Practice of Participation
Chapter 5. Conclusion and Future of Participation
