Empowerment Through Agency Enhancement: An Interdisciplinary Exploration

This book explores the development of agency in participatory development, extension work, and service transactions, focusing on inner capacities and orientations of human beings. It combines anthropological, psychological, and economic approaches and perspectives to enhance and activate these capacities for effective implementation and sustainability.

Format: Hardback
Length: 235 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate understanding of factors and mechanisms that contribute to the development of agency, particularly in three interconnected contexts: participatory development, extension work, and service transactions. The research originates from the profound recognition of the vital role that "agency" plays, commonly interpreted as the desire and ability to self-determine and self-manage, in the effective implementation and sustainability of services and projects aimed at benefiting intended beneficiaries. With its primary focus on the inner capacities and orientations of human beings, the book raises thought-provoking questions about how these capacities and orientations can be enhanced and activated by external actors in the realm of public policies for socioeconomic and international development.

The project is uniquely structured to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, seamlessly blending anthropological, psychological, and economic approaches and perspectives. By integrating these diverse disciplines, the book offers a holistic and multi-faceted exploration of the complex dynamics that shape agency development.

In the first chapter, the book establishes a theoretical framework that contextualizes the study of agency within the broader framework of public policies for socioeconomic and international development. It explores the significance of agency in achieving sustainable outcomes and addresses the challenges that arise in promoting and facilitating agency among marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The second chapter delves into the historical and cultural contexts that shape agency development. It examines the role of power, social structures, and cultural norms in limiting or enabling agency and explores how these factors can be addressed to promote greater equity and inclusion.

The third chapter focuses on the inner capacities and orientations of human beings that contribute to agency development. It explores the role of education, skills, and knowledge in empowering individuals and communities to take control of their lives and achieve their goals. The chapter also examines the psychological factors that influence agency, such as self-esteem, resilience, and motivation.

The fourth chapter examines the role of external actors in promoting and activating agency. It explores the strategies and interventions employed by governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to support agency development, including community-based development, capacity-building programs, and social entrepreneurship.

The fifth chapter examines the challenges and limitations of promoting agency development. It explores the political, economic, and social factors that hinder agency, such as corruption, inequality, and lack of access to resources. The chapter also examines the ethical considerations that arise in promoting agency, such as respecting human rights, promoting gender equality, and protecting the environment.

The sixth chapter offers insights into the future of agency development. It explores the emerging trends and innovations in the field, such as the use of technology, social media, and citizen science, to promote greater participation and engagement among marginalized and vulnerable populations. The chapter also examines the role of governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies in fostering sustainable and inclusive agency development.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the development of agency, particularly in the context of public policies for socioeconomic and international development. It offers valuable insights into the factors that shape agency, the strategies and interventions that can promote greater agency, and the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable and inclusive outcomes. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of development, social work, and human rights.
This comprehensive book delves into the intricate understanding of factors and mechanisms that contribute to the development of agency, particularly in three interconnected contexts: participatory development, extension work, and service transactions. The research originates. The research originates from the profound recognition of the vital role that "agency" plays, commonly interpreted as the desire and ability to self-determine and self-manage, in the effective implementation and sustainability of services and projects aimed at benefiting intended beneficiaries. With its primary focus on the inner capacities and orientations of human beings, the book raises thought-provoking questions about how these capacities and orientations can be enhanced and activated by external actors in the realm of public policies for socioeconomic and international development.

The project is uniquely structured to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, seamlessly blending anthropological, psychological, and economic approaches and perspectives. By integrating these diverse disciplines, the book offers a holistic and multi-faceted exploration of the complex dynamics that shape agency development.

In the first chapter, the book establishes a theoretical framework that contextualizes the study of agency within the broader framework of public policies for socioeconomic and international development. It explores the significance of agency in achieving sustainable outcomes and addresses the challenges that arise in promoting and facilitating agency among marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The second chapter delves into the historical and cultural contexts that shape agency development. It examines the role of power, social structures, and cultural norms in limiting or enabling agency and explores how these factors can be addressed to promote greater equity and inclusion.

The third chapter focuses on the inner capacities and orientations of human beings that contribute to agency development. It explores the role of education, skills, and knowledge in empowering individuals and communities to take control
control of their lives and achieve their goals. The chapter also examines the psychological factors that influence agency, such as self-esteem, resilience, and motivation.

The fourth chapter examines the role of external actors in promoting and activating agency. It explores the strategies and interventions employed by governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies to support agency development, including community-based development, capacity-building programs, and social entrepreneurship.

The fifth chapter examines the challenges and limitations of promoting agency development. It explores the political, economic, and social factors that hinder agency, such as corruption, inequality, and lack of access to resources. The chapter also examines the ethical considerations that arise in promoting agency, such as respecting human rights, promoting gender equality, and protecting the environment.

The sixth chapter offers insights into the future of agency development. It explores the emerging trends and innovations in the field, such as the use of technology, social media, and citizen science, to promote greater participation and engagement among marginalized and vulnerable populations. The chapter also examines the role of governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies in fostering sustainable and inclusive agency development.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the development of agency, particularly in the context of public policies for socioeconomic and international development. It offers valuable insights into the factors that shape agency, the strategies and interventions that can promote greater agency, and the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed to achieve sustainable and inclusive outcomes. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of development, social work, and human rights.

Weight: 541g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811912269
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022