Public participation has significantly developed since the 1980s. While public participation is commonly expected to bring better knowledge, better decision implementation and better democracy, the reality shows that it does not always lead to these benefits. This chapter provides explanations for this discrepancy between expected and observed benefits, by revealing the implicit assumptions and frameworks underpinning the diverse understandings of public participation. It identifies three axes along which these understandings differ. On the basis of this, it suggests a broader look at participation that allows to reach beyond its current flaws.