The participation trap: The limitations of participation for ethnic and racial groups

Abstract

This paper concentrates on the linkages between land-use planning and participation and raises questions regarding the limitations of ethnic or racial groups' participation in policymaking. Findings from empirical research conducted in both the UK and the US are presented. The paper suggests that uncritically involving groups defined by race or ethnicity is not coterminous with equality but may reinforce stereotypes in the policy making process.

Learning alliance methodology: Contributions and challenges for multicultural planning in health service provision: A case study in Kent, UK

“…This evidence, together with the experience of health service provision recorded by Diversity House (DH), a local non-governmental organization (NGO) in Swale (or a charity, as denominated in the UK), inspired the organization to create a project focused on the improvement of health and social care services for Swale's BME communities. The fact that the project was an initiative by a charity rather than by the NHS, which is the authority in charge of leading these types of projects, evidences the lack of attention given to BME groups in the area, confirming what was pointed out in the literature on multicultural planning (Beebeejaun, 2006(Beebeejaun, , 2012Loftman & Beazley, 1998).…”

“…Empirical research among UK local authorities reveals that ethno-racial issues have a low priority on their agendas (Beebeejaun, 2006(Beebeejaun, , 2012Loftman & Beazley, 1998;Thomas, 2000). Uncritically recognizing groups defined by ethnicity or race is not coterminous with equality.…”

Is the ‘New Deal for Communities’ a New Deal for Equality? Getting Women on Board in Neighbourhood Governance

“…There is evidence from the EU and the US that minority ethnic groups have been underrepresented and marginalised in neighbourhood regeneration initiatives (Atkinson and Carmichael, 2007;Beebeejaun, 2006). Despite this, we have argued that neighbourhood level governance offers the potential for the recognition of area-specific diversity (Beebeejaun and Grimshaw, 2007), opening up the possibility to include local residents in decision-making, potentially achieving democratic renewal and more responsive services.…”

Using Multimedia to Encourage Public Participation in Planning and Design Decision-making Processes

“…In addition to the above barriers to public participation, Beebeejaun (2006) suggests that the growth of the civil society as a channel through which diverse communities can participate in decision-making processes is contributing to further alienation of the marginalised groups. While the intentions of civil society action may be a desire to incorporate voices of diversity into shared public forums, such intention can act to label ethnic interests, for example, as particularist and separated from the mainstream rather than integral to the rest of society.…”

“…The issues that compound the complexity of engagement include lack of trust and inability to influence things at the decision-making table. Added to these complexities are the real life issues affecting many local communities, such as poor housing, lack of affordable child care, lack of education, joblessness, and many other social exclusion issues (Beebeejaun, 2006;Pilkington, 2003). The inability to link environmental issues to health, social justice, and human development has also been recognised as a barrier as these are the key concerns of many local communities.…”