Having provided a brief synopsis of the different approaches to LED in this section, it is important to note that the list of approaches detailed above is not exhaustive. It is an overview and thus has only discussed the most comprehensive and most relevant approaches that have been utilised in this research.
of any single intellectual persuasion’ (Dear, 2001:1). The latter principle is what this study is concerned with mostly as it proposes a philosophical and methodological discourse that is couched within the parameters of a postmodern approach to achieving LED in the countryside.
Mitchell (2001); Dear (2001) and Hajer, (2006) postulate, that in postmodernism, knowledge production is rooted in the rejection of grand theory and meta-narratives (p, h, m, and s) that claim absolute and universal truth. Duminy (2007) argues in support of this position, stating that postmodernism refers to a recent philosophical and epistemological divergence from the basic tenets of modernist thought and knowledge. This approach implies the rise of a new theoretical and conceptual position that draws heavily from the field of post- structuralism; where there was increasing academic dissatisfaction with meta-narratives and grand theory, including the positivist nature of modern science and philosophy. Duminy (2007) and Dear (2001) argue that postmodernism marks an essential shift in Western society’s modes of interpreting and analysing the world (especially the social world that is complex and difficult to draw generalization upon). This would include systems of knowledge and value; as well as an increasing emphasis on local issues, everyday life and socio-cultural difference as important sources of knowledge.
In postmodernism, knowledge production stems from the recognition that reality is not simply mirrored in human understanding of it, but is socially constructed. Soja (1997:241, cited in Mitchel 2001:31) maintains that “postmodernism is built upon an epistemology that is open, transparent and flexible; it is critical of any attempts to formalize a single, totalizing way of knowing, no matter how progressive it may seem to be”. Furthermore, postmodern planning must not only promote the toleration of differences, but it must encourage the disordering or difference. This tolerance for difference allows for the recognition of the need to forge solutions that are encompassing of the diversity that is apparent in many rural areas. Mitchell (2001) raises an important point advocating for the departure from the modernist approach, to postmodernism, arguing that the West and of late those in power have constructed and shaped knowledge, without acknowledging the partiality of their claims to know, what they know not. For, example Europe and the United States of America (USA), through the World Bank and IMF (Britton Woods System) have imposed their pseudo
solutions, crafted by “experts” who know very little about the complexities of African problems. In some instances, their solutions have led to the exacerbation of the problems in the continent, leading to more suffering of the poor, especially those in rural areas. In addition, the West and or modernists have constructed knowledge of “other”, and not heard or admitted “others” knowledge of themselves (Mitchell, 2001).
Essential postmodernism knowledge “is entrenched on principles of heterogeneity, plurality, constant innovation and pragmatic construction of local rules and prescriptive agreed upon by participants, and is thus for micro politics” (Dear, 2001:24). Postmodernism is said to be both historically and conceptually different from modernism or theories rooted in modernity. It is a rupture with the past, a fundamental departure from modernity (Vries, 2005). Postmodernism is seen as way of thinking in contrast to modernist approaches, where there is constant rejection of the notion of universal truth. Hence, in postmodernism the world is socially constructed (Vries, 2005). The paradox of the postmodern position is that, in placing all principles under the scrutiny of its scepticism, it must realize that even its own principles are not beyond questioning (Mitchell 2001:24). In essence, postmodernism is characterised by a suspicion of established forms and sources of knowledge, as well as an acceptance of disorder and disjuncture in all forms of life. The following section considers the manner in which a postmodernist approach to knowledge production can help in achieving local economic development within the countryside.
2.7. 2 Postmodernism: An Approach to Achieving RLED
A postmodernist approach can be used as tool of enquiry (a lens) through which the required criteria for sustained RLED can be identified. It is a plausible approach as it entrenched in an epistemology that embraces diversity, flexibility and promotes the forging of endogenous innovative solutions to the challenges faced by local residents and communities. It provides a contrast to the orthodox modernist approaches that have proved inadequate in dealing with local complexity in RLED to date. The postmodern approach provides a platform for all those actors and stakeholders (women, disabled, illiterate, churches and Traditional Councils/Leaders) that have been marginalised (and continue to be) excluded in decision making by prior traditional approached to development.
Postmodernism, according to Watson (2006) paves a way for a deliberative discourse around issues of representation, marginality, identity and difference, which are issues that are habitually neglected in planning in rural areas, especially in the sphere of LED. In addition, social justice in rural areas must be encouraged. Debates about diversity and social justice need to be included because they empower groups whose voices are not often head by planners and thus include the voices from the borderlands, to use Sandercock (2004) terminology. Thompson (2006) argues in support of Watson (2006) but uses the notion of affirming multiple rationalities and searching for hybridism. She contrasts this recognition against a common basis for justifying and explaining behaviour. The epoch of modernity is characterised and confronted by multiple rationalities, hence; postmodernism has the ability to deal with such complexity. Thompson (2006) maintains that these multiple rationalities provide different standards and modes of reasoning that are derived from various cultural and religious traditions. If LED is to be successful in the countryside it has to have the ability to encompass many discourses and this can only be achieved through a post modernist approach.
The normative and idealistic tenets of postmodernism are important in advocating for the ruralisation9 of the countryside through the stimulation of sustained RLED. Its thesis is entrenched in the provision and delivery of core services. Moreover, it is because of these two tenets that rural dwellers ought to advocate for the change in status quo evident in many countryside areas through the injection of interventions that will help incubate RLED.
The strategy has been hailed as the blueprint for poverty alleviation and the eradication of the dual dependence of areas in the countryside. Postmodernism in planning advocates for deconstruction of text and find meaning behind meaning. A deconstruction epistemology is a plausible approach in an attempt to debunk the barriers hindering sustained RLED and forging innovative solutions as well as strategies to simultaneously eradicate the former and trigger the latter.
9 The notion of the use and coining of the term ruralisation is aimed at counteracting urbanization which is stimulating a plethora of challenges for rural areas, such as brain drain, depopulation (decrease in population especially the productive group) and the colonization of rural areas by an un-productive population pool.
2.7.3 Deconstruction -An Epistemological Approach to Debunking Barriers Hindering