The community development reader: History, themes and issues

Description

Community development emerged as a recognisable occupational activity in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Since then, whilst struggling to remain true to its basic values it has often been manipulated to serve differing policy and political purposes. This unique Reader traces its changing fortunes through a selection of readings from key writers. It will be invaluable to those pursuing community development careers, for activists, and for all those teaching, training and practising community development.

Gary Craig is Professor of Community Development and Social Justice at the University of Durham. He is immediate Past President of the International Association for Community Development and a former editor of the Community Development Journal. Marjorie Mayo is Emeritus Professor of Community Development at Goldsmiths College, University of London. She has very substantial experience of community development work across the public, voluntary and community sectors, and has written widely about community development. Keith Popple is Professor of Social Work at London South Bank University. He has experience of working with the voluntary and statutory sectors and has published several books on community development. Mae Shaw is Senior Lecturer in Community Education at the University of Edinburgh. She has a very extensive background in community development practice, teaching and research and has published widely. Marilyn Taylor is Emeritus Professor at the University of the West of England, Visiting Professor at Birkbeck, University of London and Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research. She has very extensive experience in community development and third sector research and has written very widely on this. All five have been long-standing members of the Community Development Journal Editorial Board.

"A vital contribution to understanding community development's potential for progressive social change in the struggle for a fair, just and sustainable world." Margaret Ledwith, Emeritus Professor of Community Development & Social Justice, University of Cumbria "A wide ranging collection of key readings and contemporary commentaries from the best experts in the field makes this a must-have collection for students, practitioners and community activists. Its panoramic review also contains many salutary lessons for aspiring 'Big Society' politicians." Mick Carpenter, Editor Community Development Journal, University of Warwick