This book reviews contemporary campaigns for community participation and empowerment with examples from Europe, the USA, Australia, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa. It critically assesses developments in the 'mixed economy of welfare' in terms of their relevance for self-help and community participation. It also considers the concept of empowerment and its relation to public policy and developments within social movements. The case studies demonstrate the continuing struggle of communities to take more control over the key issues they confront, including poverty and the impact of international economic restructuring.