Diverse paths converge on common ground

In this introduction to the collection of articles in Social Change that focus on participatory pathways, the author draws attention to the increasing prevalence of 'participation' in the development literature. This seems to imply convergence and even consensus and shared values. In reality, what constitutes participation and what is participatory are contested. There is a huge diversity of orientations, values, approaches, methodologies, topics and contexts, geographical range, and problems and challenges. Nonetheless, for all this diversity, the paths described by the authors in this volume are traversing common ground, and many share common directions which converge. This article looks in more detail at these themes, which are capabilities, equity, empowerment, learning, and critical reflection and attitude and behaviour change. It concludes by exploring briefly the overarching theme of sharing, convergence and synergy for the future.