DVA2602
Community Development
Radical community development and development from below. (50)
a.) Explain community development (10)
b.) Discuss radical community development (10)
c.) Discuss what development from below entails (10)
d.) Explain the necessity of development from below in community
development (20)
Radical community development and development from below. (50)
, a.) Explain community development (10)
Community development is a process that aims to enhance the social,
economic, and cultural well-being of a specific community or group of people
through collective action, participation, and sustainable initiatives (Botes &
van Rensburg, 2010). It involves the active engagement of community
members, organizations, and local institutions in identifying and addressing
community needs, fostering social cohesion, and improving the overall
quality of life within the community.
Community development is a multifaceted approach that goes beyond
individual-focused interventions and recognizes the importance of addressing
broader systemic issues that impact communities. It emphasizes the
empowerment and capacity building of community members, enabling them
to take ownership of their development and become active agents of change
(Ledwith, 2011).
The process of community development typically involves various stages,
including community mobilization, needs assessment, planning,
implementation of interventions, and evaluation. It considers the unique
characteristics, assets, and challenges of each community, and encourages
the utilization of local resources, knowledge, and skills (Matarrita-Cascante,
2015).
Community development is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather a
context-specific and participatory process that respects the diversity and
autonomy of communities. It recognizes the interconnectedness of social,
economic, and environmental factors in shaping community well-being and
advocates for sustainable development practices that promote long-term
resilience and positive social change (Hughey, 2013).
By engaging community members in decision-making processes, fostering
social inclusion, and addressing inequalities and social injustices, community
development contributes to the creation of more inclusive, equitable, and
empowered communities (Botes & van Rensburg, 2010).
b.) Discuss radical community development (10)
Radical community development is a theoretical approach and practice that
seeks to address systemic inequalities, power imbalances, and social
injustices within communities (Sen & Smith, 2019). It recognizes that
community development efforts need to challenge and transform the root
causes of social problems rather than solely focusing on individual-level
interventions. Radical community development goes beyond surface-level
changes and aims for structural and systemic change that promotes social
equity, justice, and liberation.
At the core of radical community development is the understanding that
social problems are not isolated incidents but are embedded within larger
social, economic, and political structures. It emphasizes the importance of
collective action, community organizing, and grassroots movements to