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Divergence in Community Participation Policy: Analysing Localism and Community Empowerment Using a Theory of Change Approach

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  • Steve Rolfe

Abstract

The last two decades have witnessed a significant turn towards community participation in public policy around the globe, raising concerns that states are resorting to ‘government through community’, shifting responsibilities onto communities. In order to unpack the ambiguous rhetoric of policy statements, this article employs ideas from evaluation methodology to develop a generic theory of change for community participation policy. The model is then utilised to analyse and compare the UK Coalition Government’s Big Society/Localism agenda and the Scottish Government’s Community Empowerment approach, demonstrating the ways in which these represent a clear example of policy divergence, and potentially significant alternatives to state–community relations in the context of austerity. The article also demonstrates the potential wider applicability of ‘theories of change’ methodology for policy analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Steve Rolfe, 2016. "Divergence in Community Participation Policy: Analysing Localism and Community Empowerment Using a Theory of Change Approach," Local Government Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(1), pages 97-118, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:flgsxx:v:42:y:2016:i:1:p:97-118
    DOI: 10.1080/03003930.2015.1081848
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    Cited by:

    1. Artur Adam Steiner & Jane Farmer, 2018. "Engage, participate, empower: Modelling power transfer in disadvantaged rural communities," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 36(1), pages 118-138, February.
    2. Ignazio Cabras & Chi KM Lau, 2019. "The availability of local services and its impact on community cohesion in rural areas: Evidence from the English countryside," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 34(3), pages 248-270, May.

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