The Participation Trap: The Limitations of Participation for Ethnic and Racial Groups

This paper concentrates on the linkages between land-use planning and participation and raises questions regarding the limitations of ethnic or racial groups' participation in policy-making. Findings from empirical research conducted in both the UK and the US are presented. The paper suggests that uncritically involving groups defined by race or ethnicity is not coterminous with equality but may reinforce stereotypes in the policy making process.