A Conceptual Exploration of Participation. Section I: Introduction and Early Perspectives

Abstract

This article is comprised of three sections (each in subsequent regular issues of EPAT) that explore the concept of participation. Section I: Introduction and Early Perspectives grounds our exploration of participation and explores definitions and early perspectives of participation we have identified as ‘historically original’ and ‘philosophical’. Section II: Participation as Engagement in Experience—An Aesthetics Perspective is a continuation of our conceptual exploration of participation that digs into the world of aesthetics. Finally, Section III: The Utilitarian Perspective and Conclusion focuses on utilitarian meanings of participation from political and international development perspectives. Collectively, these sections focus on the meaning and deconstruction of the term, participation. By bringing attention to gradations in meaning, we hope to raise awareness of the superficial use of participation that is reflected in much of the educational literature and highlight possibilities that more thoughtfully formulated and consciously chosen meanings of participation could offer the field of education.

Main determinants of immigrant families’ involvement and participation in school life /Principales determinantes de la implicación y participación de las familias inmigrantes en la escuela

“…The combination of the two elements which are key to the idea — level of commitment and active participation — are what give full sense and meaning to the notion of ‘involved parents’. Although this may tend to emphasize an instrumental perspective of this participation, this is in line with predominant approaches within socio-educational circles (Thomas, Whybrow, & Scharber, 2012).…”

“…Así, la combinación de los dos elementos clave de la idea, nivel de compromiso y participación activa, otorgarían pleno sentido a la noción de ‘ involved parents ’. Aunque sea a costa de enfatizar una perspectiva más bien instrumental de esa participación, bastante a tono, por cierto, con la que predomina en la mayoría de los ambientes socio-educativos (Thomas, Whybrow, & Scharber, 2012).…”

Understandings of participation in daily activity services among people with intellectual disabilities: A pedagogical sociocultural perspective

“…To deal with this issue they were interviewed two times – with the exception of three individuals – which gave the research team time to reflect on how the questions had been interpreted, and the interviewees’ time to reflect upon the questions and their understanding of participation. In addition, participation was derived from its linguistic origin: to take part, to have a part and being part of something (Thomas, et al, 2012).…”

Young people as co-researchers: enabling student participation in educational practice

“…It encompasses terms such as youth consultation, listening to children, pupil or student voice and student participation. Even within the educational domain, very different situations and processes have been labelled with the term 'participation', as Thomas et al (2012a) illustrate:…”