Synopses & Reviews
This thematic collection of papers from the journal Development in Practice focuses on the role of civil society organizations (including NGOs) in promoting pro-poor policy change, whether through advocacy or through direct action and public mobilization. Experiences are drawn from countries as far afield as Belgium and Brazil, in such areas as human rights, humanitarian relief, and social service provision. A theme running through the Reader is therefore that of state-civil society relations in the context of development.Development and Social Action also includes a specially commissioned overview and an annotated bibliography of current and classic titles which together constitute an essential reading list on the topic.This book is introduced by Miloon Kothari, a human rights activist and representative of Habitat International Coalition at the UN in Geneva.
Synopsis
* Draws on social action experiences as far afield as Belgium and Brazil* Focuses on new social movements, governance and the state of law, North-South NGO relations, and the use of development theatre in working for social and political changeThroughout the world, civil society organizations (including NGOs) are playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting pro-poor policy change both in their own countries and internationally, whether through advocacy or through direct action and popular mobilization. In the global re-alignment following the end of the Cold War, the challenge is to move from mere protest and opposition to constructive forms of engagement both with the state and with the private sector.