Participatory practices of planning in times of (neo-liberal) globalization. North, South and beyond

Abstract

Planning practices in different parts of the world reflect local institutions’ beliefs, behaviors, and social patterns. Similarly, participatory discourses seem to mean differently in different settings and contexts. We may use similar words to express different ideas, perceiving differently what we see or hear. This round table intends to exchange ideas and encourage discussions on how we understand the planning practice in general, and participatory planning practices in particular, by taking into account the values and the meanings attached to these words in Brazil and the United States. How do we understand technical/rational/analytical activity directed to solve (or avoid) world systemic problems? To which extend is the planning practice engaged with change and innovation to transform unfair or unjust social realities?