Lecture Notes on the Stages of Participation

Summary:

Today's lecture focused on the concept of participation, its significance, the various levels of participation, and one additional stage that transcends participation itself.

Introduction to Participation

• Definition: Participation means involvement, inclusion, participation, and co-determination.
• Relevance: Not limited to pedagogical contexts, it's also prevalent in politics, day-care centers for children, and child and youth welfare.
• Benefits:
  • Prevents decisions being made over the heads of individuals affected.
  • Promotes developmental growth by enhancing social skills and fostering self-efficacy.

Stages of Participation

Based on a model referenced in the lecture, here are the identified stages of participation:

Stage 1: Instrumentalization

• Characteristics: Needs and desires of the target group are ignored. Decisions are made by a few or an individual, often manipulating the target group.
• Example: An organization uses children to collect donations without informing them about the purposes or benefits.

Stage 2: Instruction

• Characteristics: Similar to Stage 1, but target group is acknowledged without any real input or decision-making power.
• Example: In a residential setting, professionals dictate daily schedules and activities without considering resident input.

Stage 3: Information

• Characteristics: Target group is informed about decisions but lacks influence over them.
• Example: Youth can choose between pasta or rice for lunch, but deeper preferences or meal timings are not considered.

Stage 4: Consultation

• Characteristics: Decision-makers show interest in the needs of the target group when convenient.
• Example: Youth’s preference for homemade fries is ignored due to convenience; other options are offered without meaningful engagement.

Stage 5: Inclusion

• Characteristics: Similar to consultation, but with a formal spokesperson for the target group who is taken more seriously.
• Example: Similar to Stage 4 with the addition of a youth spokesperson who engages with the decision-makers directly.

Stage 6: Co-determination

• Characteristics: Real exchange and negotiation occur between decision-makers and the target group.
• Example: Youth negotiate to help with shopping and preparation if they want homemade fries.

Stage 7: Partial transfer of decision-making

• Characteristics: Target group gets full decision-making power in specific aspects.
• Example: Children in a daycare can decide the name of their new group.

Stage 8: Decision power

• Characteristics: Target group makes decisions on equal footing with others; decision-makers support rather than lead.
• Example: Decision-makers facilitate participatory structures but do not control decisions.

Final Stage: Self-Administration – Beyond Participation

• Characteristics: Target group manages projects independently, taking full responsibility.
• Example: Youths in a residential home might start and manage their own group or club without external influence.

Conclusion

This comprehensive overview of the stages of participation illustrates its varying degrees and emphasizes the importance of escalating engagement and autonomy in participatory processes. Engaging with these concepts helps foster more inclusive, democratic, and cooperative environments in various settings.