This book spells out the theoretical, methodological and practical implications of an actor-orientated approach to development research. The book concentrates upon issues relating to the study of change and intervention, and explores issues that are of general sociological significance for resolving central problems such as the relationship between agency and structure, micro and macro phenomena, and theory and practice.
Part 1 An actor-oriented paradigm: introduction, Norman Long; from
paradigm lost to paradism regained? the case for an actor-oriented sociology
of development, Norman Long. Part 2 The research process: a research journey;
on actors, concepts and the text, Pieter de Vries; plunging into the garlic;
methodological issues and challenges, Gabriel Torres; the engagement of
researcher and local actors in the construction of case studies and research
themes - exploring methods of restudy, Van Seur. Part 3 New perspectives on
old problems: goods, knowledge and beer - the methodological significance of
situational analysis and discourse, Andrew Long; identity, networks and space
- new dimensions in the study of small-scale enterprise and commoditization,
Gerard Verschoor; local organization as organizing practices - the Mexican
"ejido" revisited, Monique Nuijten. Part 4 Theoretical windows on development
intervention; the dynamics of knowledge interfaces between bureaucrats and
peasants, Alberto Arce and Norman Long; the poverty of practice - gender,
power and intervention from an actor-oriented perspective, Magdalena
Villarreal; conclusion, Norman Long.
