Overview

Reflecting Forewords is an unashamedly ambitious book. Full of lessons from the past that are relevant for the future, it is a compilation of inspiring forewords from books written by Robert Chambers; one of the most influential and prolific scholars to write about participation, poverty, and knowledge in development studies. Tessa Lewin, Robert’s colleague and an experienced practitioner and researcher, has worked with Robert to weave together the forewords alongside a series of reflections from other practitioners and scholars in the field. In our world of dramatic unforeseeable change, Reflecting Forewords seeks to draw lessons and present insights that should not be ephemeral, but can contribute on a lasting way to policy, practice and research in the rest of our 21st century. Readers will draw their own conclusions. The orientation is forward-looking into our unpredictable future, stressing the need to be alert, in touch, nimble, and guided by reflexivity. This curated collection of resurfaced gems will inspire development professionals, teachers and graduate students of development studies, policymakers, historians of development thinking and practice, activists, and all those who are concerned with a better life for all.

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9781788534079

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Reviews

"'This book offers a fascinating tapestry of reflections on different themes at the centre of Robert Chambers' work over many decades. As a conversation between Robert and many diverse collaborators, the book provides an important commentary on many of today's big challenges for development. The book is a real treasure trove of interesting insights - a must-read for anyone interested in poverty, power, participation and progressive change.' Ian Scoones, Institute of Development Studies and co-editor of 'Revolutionizing Development: Reflections on the Work of Robert Chambers' 'A creative and unique collection which offers a fascinating journey through four decades of development thinking and practice. Readable, enjoyable and insightful!' John Gaventa, Professor, Institute of Development Studies 'Robert's forewords reveal his deep humanity, concern for those that are systematically excluded from social and economic processes that are central to their survival, and keen awareness of the human generated systems that generate these inequities. Yet they also reveal his awareness of how outdated worldviews and paradigms favor the status quo, are hidden in plain sight in the form of ""normal professionalism"" and how they can be disrupted through critical participatory methodologies. Most importantly, his forewords reveal his own humility and constant recognition of what he doesn't know and needs to learn, which gives us as readers permission to ""not know"" so that we might learn and give space for others to know. After giving Robert a cartoon zine recently that was inspired by his influence on my practice, perplexed, Robert asked me the question ""does it self-spread, can it self-spread?"" While I will bring this beautiful challenge to my work moving forward, I can say that indeed his ideas do and will continue to self-spread through this volume, as those of us who have had the privilege to know him and his ideas, will continue to take them forward through our community engagement praxis.' Alfredo Ortiz Arag�n, Co Author of Action Research, 5th Edition (with Ernie Stringer)"

'This book offers a fascinating tapestry of reflections on different themes at the centre of Robert Chambers' work over many decades. As a conversation between Robert and many diverse collaborators, the book provides an important commentary on many of today's big challenges for development. The book is a real treasure trove of interesting insights - a must-read for anyone interested in poverty, power, participation and progressive change.' Ian Scoones, Institute of Development Studies and co-editor of 'Revolutionizing Development: Reflections on the Work of Robert Chambers' 'A creative and unique collection which offers a fascinating journey through four decades of development thinking and practice. Readable, enjoyable and insightful!' John Gaventa, Professor, Institute of Development Studies 'Robert's forewords reveal his deep humanity, concern for those that are systematically excluded from social and economic processes that are central to their survival, and keen awareness of the human generated systems that generate these inequities. Yet they also reveal his awareness of how outdated worldviews and paradigms favor the status quo, are hidden in plain sight in the form of ""normal professionalism"" and how they can be disrupted through critical participatory methodologies. Most importantly, his forewords reveal his own humility and constant recognition of what he doesn't know and needs to learn, which gives us as readers permission to ""not know"" so that we might learn and give space for others to know. After giving Robert a cartoon zine recently that was inspired by his influence on my practice, perplexed, Robert asked me the question ""does it self-spread, can it self-spread?"" While I will bring this beautiful challenge to my work moving forward, I can say that indeed his ideas do and will continue to self-spread through this volume, as those of us who have had the privilege to know him and his ideas, will continue to take them forward through our community engagement praxis.' Alfredo Ortiz Arag�n, Co Author of Action Research, 5th Edition (with Ernie Stringer)

Author Information

Robert Chambers is widely recognized as one of the main driving forces behind the great surge of interest in the use of Participatory Rural Appraisal around the world. He has been a Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies since 1972 and is an author, co editor and contributor of many books. Tessa is a creative practitioner and researcher with Southern African roots. She currently works as a research fellow in the Participation, Inclusion and Social Change Cluster at the Institute of Development Studies, at the University of Sussex. She writes on visual activism, feminism, gender, sexuality, child rights, and participatory methodologies.

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