Out of the closet, into the open: professionalism, power and the personal in development. (12th October 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chambers, Robert
• Is Part Of: World review of science, technology and sustainable development. Volume 4:Number 4(2007)
• Page Start: 385
• Page End: 394
• Publication Date: 2007-10-12
• Subjects: development -- paradigm -- power relationships -- personal dimensions -- professionalism -- realities -- personal reflection -- personal orientations -- poor people -- marginalised people -- good science -- tertiary education; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Appropriate technology -- Periodicals; Technology transfer -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.92705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-2242

Abstract

In development thinking and practice, normal professionalism, power and personal orientations are linked with a paradigm associated with things. Paradigm here refers to mutually reinforcing concepts, values, methods, behaviours, relationships and mindsets. A shift of balance is needed to a paradigm associated with people. The realities experienced by poor and marginalised people differ from those projected by professionals. Many errors and failures have resulted. An agenda for action includes redefinition of what is good science, reversing power relations, a pedagogy for the powerful, transforming tertiary education, and critical personal reflection.