Taking 'participatory' in participatory modelling seriously

Y.T.I Maru, K Alexandridis, Pascal Perez

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    Over the last three decades participatory research processes have informed much international development and conservation work in developing countries. Public participation is also a growing legislative requirement in natural resource and environmental management in developed countries. So far, multiple participatory approaches have been formulated and applied in different contexts, including so-called participatory modelling methods. The latter have developed alongside a growing unease and fundamental critique of the participatory approaches and their theoretical underpinnings. One of the central themes running through the critique is the naïveté with which complexities of power relations are assumed to be understood and addressed in participatory approaches. The critique also highlights the danger that participatory approaches become legitimising instruments that simply maintain and reinforce existing power relations. In this paper we engage with the critical literature in the hope of drawing lessons and requirements for participatory modelling. We also empirically evaluate participatory modelling case studies with regard to the fundamental critique. While we do not agree with some demands from the critique that imply abandoning the whole participatory enterprise, we suggest that claims to participatory modelling be taken seriously and that each claim be accompanied by critical reflection. Based on a review of the literature we suggest initial set of questions towards developing a framework for critical reflection.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication18th World IMACS Congress and MODSIM 2009 - International Congress on Modelling and Simulation: Interfacing Modelling and Simulation with Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Proceedings
    EditorsR S Anderssen, R D Braddock & L T H Newham
    Place of PublicationAustralia
    PublisherModelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand Inc.
    Pages3011-3017
    EditionPeer Reviewed
    ISBN (Print)9780975840078
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    Event18th World IMACS Congress and International Congress on Modelling and Simulation: Interfacing Modelling and Simulation with Mathematical and Computational Sciences, MODSIM 2009 - Cairns Australia
    Duration: 1 Jan 2009 → …
    https://mssanz.org.au/modsim09/

    Conference

    Conference18th World IMACS Congress and International Congress on Modelling and Simulation: Interfacing Modelling and Simulation with Mathematical and Computational Sciences, MODSIM 2009
    Period1/01/09 → …
    OtherJuly 13-17 2009
    Internet address

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