Powell And Geogheg The Politics Of Community Development

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Community development uses methods that generate social inclusion, empowerment, power sharing, and collective action. Alan Twelvetress states community development work is “the process of assisting people to improve their own communities by undertaking autonomous collective action” (Twelvetress, 2008). In other words, it aims to reduce poverty and promote equality on both a local and national level. There are several sources of literature that illuminate community development work from different attitudes, “The politics of community development” being one that will be critiqued in this assignment. Throughout their narrative, Powell and Geoghegan give a commentated survey of community activists. This book examines the construction of organisations, …show more content…

Contrasting to this, a percentage of minority activists felt “encapsulated” by their organisations aim (Powell and Geoghegan, 2004). This meaning that few activists felt that their group’s aim could take on more of an umbrella approach to cover their work. Community development work can be seen as very ‘broad church’ with many underpinning ideologies. The community development sector has different individuals from diverse ideologies partaking in community work. Jackson and O’Doherty state one of the goals of community development is to enhance people’s happiness (Jackson and O’Doherty, 2012). It was found that many activists partake in community develpment because it is in their ethics and morals to protect vulnerable individuals. Whilst caring for other people one may get a sense of self fulfilment. From the research it is evident that activists have more of a humanist outlook towards community development rather than …show more content…

Their findings were published in 2004 prior to the economic recession; currently the sector is experiencing extensive cut backs. The infrastructure can be challenged to achieve empowerment; the lack of funding and cutbacks make it complex to attain various principles of community development. This was manifestly seen while working in this sector, courses were not attained in the organisation and service users were

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