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Abstract

The article summarizes the different ways in which urban participative processes have been understood, discussed and carried out. The hypothesis is that the “participation” aspect has been classified, expressed, identified and used according to the different views and interpretations of reality. The focuses, contexts and trends of participative processes are based on three conceptual matrixes. The first one, called Polarized Matrix, examines participative processes that are opposite, contrary or divergent in their scope and intent. A second one, called Gradual Matrix, evaluates participation based on its level of action and intensity of change. The third one, called Interactive Matrix, analyses the participation in regards to other spheres of action and instruments of urban management. Some speeches and experiences of participation in Latin American countries are placed in context to illustrate this diversity, and some current participation characteristics and trends are shown.