Sustainable Development Praxis aims to strengthen the linkages between theory, action, and critical reflection such that the design and implementation of development initiatives produce better, more sustainable outcomes.
Why “praxis”?
“Praxis” refers to the integration of action and critical reflection for the purpose of changing the world (sensu Freire). This is the crux of effective sustainable development. However, the design and implementation of the actions — and the frameworks used to reflect on them — are derived from the ideas we have about how the world works. In other words, theory matters.
Unfortunately, too often there is a disconnect between theory, action, and reflection — with different scholars and practitioners focusing on one or two of these elements but rarely all three. Academics tend to focus on theory and reflection, but rarely action because they are often “observers” rather than “participants” in development. Meanwhile, practitioners are shifting more and more towards incorporating learning (and even research) into monitoring and evaluation efforts for projects and programs — but the frameworks they use are often informed from lived experience and insights from so-called “gray literature” rather than the scholarly literature produced by academics.
Sustainable Development Praxis aims to strengthen the linkages between theory, action, and critical reflection such that the design and implementation of development initiatives produce better, more sustainable outcomes — and it aims to do so in a way that is readily accessible globally. The blog includes short analytical reflections on practice and theory — and applies theory to interpret practice, and practice to refine theory.
I hope you will find some of the ideas and reflections presented here useful in stimulating your own further critical and creative thinking for making the world a better place for all. Sharing knowledge and working together is the only way to address the incredible challenges the world faces today in dealing with poverty, inequality, climate change, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of this.
I am of course but one voice. I appreciate that you are here, taking an interest in my perspective. I am interested in yours too: please consider sharing your thoughts via Twitter @sustdevpraxis. If you are interested in being a guest author, please contact me. Thank you.