Social or Economic Goals, Civic Inclusion or Exclusion? An Analysis of Rural Development Theory and Practice

Abstract

Based on research conducted in Northern Ireland, this article examines two aspects of rural development practice. Firstly, it examines the emphasis given to social and civic development alongside economic development. Secondly, the idea that partnerships represent increased democracy and civic participation is explored. The theoretical framework is informed by the social capital debate, with particular reference to the work of Robert Putnam. It is argued that the social capital debate clarifies the importance of economic goals vis‐à‐vis social and civic goals. It is further argued that the social capital debate gives renewed impetus to a romantic naïve view of rural communities, where civic harmony and inclusion triumphs and there is little room for power struggles, exclusionary tactics by privileged groups, or ideological conflicts. This research corroborates that the rural development process is mired by difficulties because of unrealistic expectations, inadequate specification of goals, and a lack of central government responsibility for the process. It is suggested that the problems posed by area‐based development do not represent questions for local partnerships to address, but rather ones that must be taken up by national governments.

Prioritising rural authenticity: Community members' use of discourse in rural healthcare participation and why it matters

“…In this paper we have tended to present discourses as distinct, consistent and dichotomised; in reality, discourses are over-layered and mutable (Pitkanen et al, 2014;GoodwinHawkins, 2015). Our findings might be specific to rural Scotland; however, they resonate with studies suggesting that rural community engagement can surface, and even reinforce, existing power divisions (Shortall, 2004;Shortall and Shucksmith, 2001). We acknowledge that the paper is based, to an extent, on our interpretations of participants' discussions.…”

“…Shucksmith (2012) implies that such activities of in-community othering may entrench generational disadvantage as it is socially difficult for disadvantaged people to rise out of marginalisation. Rural development literature offers perspectives warning that involving communities in decision-making can serve to enhance the power of existing elites rather than uniting diverse citizen perspectives (Shucksmith and Chapman, 1998;Potter and Shortall, 2009;Shortall, 2004). Thus, far from being an easier context in which to enact community participation, rural places might bring a specific set of challenges.…”

Examining participatory governance in a devolving UK: Insights from national parks policy development in Northern Ireland

“…According to Woods (2005b: 170), all modes of governing privilege certain voices over others and 'concentrate power in line with the distribution of valued resources'. Given the potential for tension and power struggles between partnership members with disparate interests and agendas it is necessary to appreciate the influence of power within the partnership setting (Shortall, 2004;Derkzen et al, 2008;Derkzen and Bock, 2009). Equally, the influence of power is likely to be evident within the consultation arena.…”

“…While partnership board places are sometimes reserved for locally elected representatives, this practice varies considerably (Skelcher, 2000). Furthermore, the partnerships can contribute to the growing power base of particular actors (Shortall, 2004;Woods, 2005a) as individuals frequently occupy positions on several partnership boards ('usual suspects'). Additional issues emerge concerning whom representatives speak for and what interests they represent within the community (Derkzen and Bock, 2009).…”

The Role of Social Networks as Survival Strategies in Agro-Pastoral Communities in Arid And Semi-Arid Lands in Tanzania

“…Coleman (1988) defines social capital as "the structure of relations between actors and among actors in which others may be contacted, obligations and expectations can be safely formed, information can be shared and sanctions can be applied". Shortall (2004) posits that social capital "is the ability to secure resources by virtue of membership in social networks or larger social structures".…”