Social Development Critical Themes and Perspectives [Hardcover]

This edited collection demonstrates that the ideas inherent in social development are practical and not utopian. By discussing and delineating a social development approach, the book argues the need for practicing it at local or grassroots-level communities to promote universal social justice and wellbeing. Towards this end, several leading scholars have presented critical and inspiring thoughts on the significance and usefulness in development of genuine participation of people, bottom-up strategies, self-reliance, capacity building, and egalitarian and empowering partnerships. They also delve into hitherto neglected aspects of social development related to preparing personnel for social development work, ethical imperatives and a new social development paradigm. The worlds contemporary problems persist in part because the social development approach in its comprehensive form has not been planned and implemented at local, national and global levels. Social Development presents the optimistic argument that the application of social development ideas can help create a world in which almost all peoples wellbeing can be significantly enhanced.

1. Introduction: Why a Focus on Social Development in the 21st Century?  Manohar S. Pawar and David R. Cox.  Conceptual Understanding of Social Development  2. Social Development  Manohar S. Pawar and David R. Cox  3. Local Level Social Development  Manohar S. Pawar and David R. Cox.  Critical Perspectives in Social Development  4. Participatory Development Kwaku Osei-Hwedie and Bertha Z. Osei-Hwedie  5. Self- Reliant Development Madhavappallil Thomas and Manohar S. Pawar  6. Capacity Building for Local Development: An Overview Gautam N. Yadama and Marsela DautilÓK