Planning and participation are concepts which can be interpreted in different ways Traditional planning theory offers mostly subjective- idealistic interpretations These interpretations are not very helpful in answering why ideas, methods, and practices of planning appear as they do A prerequisite for answering such questions is a theoretical under standing of the relationship of planning to social totality, i.e to basic political, social, economic and ideological conditions. Capital-logic and 'structure-logic' theories of social structure and development offer frameworks for analysis. Both, however, lead to functionalist explana tions, and imply mechanical determinism. A more dialectical conception is necessary, emphasizing both the objective and the subjective aspects of planning and development.