New Book: The Handbook of Development Communication and Social Change

”The Handbook of Development Communication and Social Change” – previously mentioned here – is now out. Ørecomm co-director Thomas Tufte, Professor Karin Gwinn Wilkins, University of Texas, and Rafael Obregon, Chief of Communication for Development at UNICEF New York – three high profiles in the field – have made an impressive effort to provide an up-to-date overview of the emerging challenges within the field of the communication for development.

The editors have approached the task through three different work streams. The first one dealing with the more theoretical side of development studies, the second exploring the strategic use of C4D in big aid organizations such as UNICEF, and the third taking a closer look at C4D from an activist point of view.

Although many books on communication for development have been published, this is one of the first that allows plenty of space for theorizing around activism and C4D.

”We are very happy about being able to integrate an extensive section on activism and communication for development in this book. It’s important to recognize these activities in the student literature, side by side with more traditional approaches to C4D,” says Thomas Tufte.

The book includes contributions from some of the gran old men and women in the field, such as John Downing and Rosa Maria Alfaro, as well as chapters written by the younger generation, for example the ”Video for Change” and ”Youth-Generated Media” chapters by Tina Askanius and Joe F. Khalil respectively.

“We are very pleased with the mix of contributors we have succeeded with in the book. It includes chapters on classical disciplines, such as community radio, but also moves into newer areas, for example the role of entrepreneurship in C4D and development work,” Thomas continues.

The book is targeted to media and communication students on master’s level, but can give practical and conceptual guidance to anyone engaged in the struggle for social justice around the world.

Don’t miss the launch of the book at the Voice and Matter Conference, taking place 17-20 September 2014!

Buy the book here.