How discontinuities become continuities: the dynamics of participatory development in rural China

This thesis concerns practical and theoretical issues relating to the dynamics of participatory development in rural China. It focuses on differential strategies and responses to participatory interventions; socially constructed processes that are an outcome of interactions between various actors (project implementing agencies, government officials, village leaders, local farmers, etc) The book explores some of the complexities involved in these processes and identifies the critical points at which change is negotiated and agreed upon by the different parties. The research is based on empirical studies in four villages in Yixian County. Chapter one introduces the study and looks at the strategies of involved parties in acquiring the highest possible benefits from the development project while coping with demands from other actors. Chapter 2 gives an overview of sociological contributions to participation, intervention and dialogue practices. Chapter 3 looks at the specific case study interventions and sketches out the processes, emphasising the multiple social realities of the implementing agency. Chapter 4 describes the project area, and chapter 5 examines the case studies, exploring the social reshaping of interventions. Chapter 6 shows how local leaders impose their interpretations and interests on other actors. Chapter 7 examines the differential responses or strategies of the involved farmers, and chapter 8 discusses the main conclusions of the research, where the author argues that participation reinforces existing socio-political power fields (in the context of rural China).