The Basics: what's Essential about Theory for Community Development Practice?

The major point of this article is that the multidisciplinary field of community development needs some common theoretical concepts for community development practice. The authors examine three major limitations of theory for community development and discuss why theoretical frameworks are important for the field. There are three major concerns that encompass community development practice: structure, power and shared meaning. These concerns are related to three classical theoretical frameworks: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. These seemingly disparate theories take on a deeper meaning when tied to Giddens' structuration theory. Giddens' theoretical perspective is essential for practitioners because of its link between macro and microstructures and the ability of the community to influence macro and micro changes through cultural patterns and norms (modalities). The article includes case studies and examples to illustrate the applicability of key theoretical insights.

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