Comparative Analysis of the Diffusion and Participatory Models in Development Communication, A

From the abstract: The field of development communication is dominated by two conceptual models: diffusion and participation. These models have distinct theoretical roots and differing emphases in terms of program designs and goals. This article examines the extent of the gap and the overlap between them by comparing the objectives and outcomes of 44 projects. The two approaches differ in the underlying philosophies, frameworks, program strategies, and measurement tools, but the gap between these approaches is being bridged by proponents of both models, who knowingly or unknowingly have borrowed elements from one another.

This article appears in Communication Theory, Journal of the International Communication Association, Volume 13 Issue 2 Page 225.

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