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THEORIES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Stephanie Butler
Created on March 1, 2025
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GOVT 3104
THEORIES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Stephanie Butler
Start
Question 4
Critically examine key theories of community development and analyze how these theories explain community interaction and engagement with space. Provide examples to illustrate the practical application of these theories in real-world community settings.
Introduction
Introduction
Community development is a process where community members actively work together to identify and address issues important to them, aiming to improve the quality of life within their community by taking collective action and empowering individuals to create positive change, often focusing on principles like social justice, inclusion, and sustainability.
Asset-based community development
Assest-based community development
- ABCD, developed by Kretzmann and McKnight (1993), focuses on leveraging local strengths and resources rather than external aid. It promotes self-reliance and community-driven solutions.
- Encourages self-help housing projects and grassroots economic initiatives.
- Supports community tourism initiatives that use local culture and heritage as assets.
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Treasure Beach,St.Elizabeth
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Social Capital theory
Social Capital theory
Social Capital theory
- Refers to the idea that strong social networks, trust, and shared norms within a community can act as a valuable resource, enabling individuals to cooperate and collectively address challenges, leading to positive outcomes like improved quality of life and successful community projects
Application to Space & Interaction :
- Strong social ties enable communities to mobilize resources for development.
- Religious institutions, sports clubs, and neighborhood associations create spaces for social engagement.
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03
Conflict theory
SYSTEMS THEORY
Systems theory
- Systems theory views communities as interconnected networks where changes in one part affect the whole system. It emphasizes holistic approaches to development.
- Explains how economic, social, and environmental factors interact in urban and rural communities.
- Supports integrated development approaches that combine education, health, and infrastructure improvements.
Can be complex to implement, requiring coordination across multiple sectors.
Overlooks the role of power and agency in shaping community outcomes.
05
Structural Functionalism
Structural Functionalisim
- Structural functionalism (Durkheim, 1893) sees communities as systems where different institutions (government, economy, family) must function together to maintain stability.
- Explains the role of government policies in maintaining order.
- Highlights how different sectors contribute to community well-being.
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06
Collective Impact
Collective Impact
- Collective impact argues that solving complex social issues requires coordinated efforts across different sectors and organizations.
- Actively involving community members in identifying problems, developing solutions, and participating in implementation processes.
Application to Space & Interaction
- Encourages collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and businesses for sustainable development.
- Focuses on shared goals and measurable outcomes
- Different organizations contribute unique strengths and activities that complement each other, creating a synergistic effect.
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Question
Questions
References
- Chapter 2., Section 5. Collective Impact - Main Section | Community Tool Box. (n.d.). Community Tool Box. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/overview/models-for-community-health-and-development/collective-impact/main
- Community Development Theories & Community Practice Approaches in Social Work - Lesson | Study.com. (n.d.).
- study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/community-development-theories-community-practice-approaches-in-social-work.html
- Fund, G. C. (n.d.). Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF). Green Climate Fund. https://www.greenclimate.fund/ae/jsif
- Lewis, A. (n.d.). Theories of Social Change and Community Development. Pressbooks. https://umsystem.pressbooks.pub/aswbprep/chapter/theories-of-social-change-and-community-development/
- (PDF) Social Capital and Community Development. (n.d.). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380405710_Social_Capital_and_Community_Development
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, January 14). Structural functionalism | Definition, Examples, & Criticisms. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/structural-functionalism
Conclusion
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Criticism
- Social capital can be exclusionary, reinforcing class or political divisions.
- Criminal networks (e.g., gangs) also use social capital for illicit activities.
Criticism
- Assumes all communities have sufficient assets to leverage, which is not always the case in deeply impoverished areas.
- Overlooks the need for systemic change, such as government investment in infrastructure.
Criticism
- Overlooks inequalities and assumes all institutions function equally for all members of society.
- Struggles to explain conflicts and systemic failures.
Criticism
- Requires significant coordination, which can be challenging in bureaucratic environments.
- Risks prioritizing institutional goals over grassroots needs.
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