Women and Community Action - Softcover

Dominelli, Lena

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0900102772 ISBN 13: 9780900102776

Publisher: Venture Press, 1990

Synopsis

Women have long been the mainstay of communities and heavily involved in community initiatives in various guises. Though often the unsung heros of community action, women's role in a community's growth and development has become increasingly important in a globalising world that has changed considerably since the first edition of this classic text was published. In Britain, for example, women are making a vital contribution to New Labour's 'regeneration strategies' in local communities and central to the social inclusion agenda. Women are also central to sustainable development projects in countries in the South.Drawing on women's experience of community work and community action, this revised edition explores these developments and the reasons for the limited increases in women's well-being. Linking historical material to the present, "Women and Community Action" examines the ways in which women organise to secure social change that enhances the quality of life at individual and community levels. And, it provides practical skills to enhance capacity building alongside a discussion of theoretical and conceptual issues.As well as focusing on women, the book discusses gender relations more widely and highlights the differentiated position of both men and women in community work. It considers how the gender gap might be bridged in terms of building more socially cohesive communities that promote egalitarian social relations.Aimed primarily at students of social work, community work, sociology and social policy, practitioners and policy makers will also find the book an invaluable resource.

About this title

About the Author

Lena Dominelli, School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Durham

Review

This book contributes a much needed and challenging analysis of women's continuing inequality in society; looking at their role in families, communities, the workplace and political structures. Dominelli recognises the complex and dynamic nature of communities, making visible the vital, but undervalued role that women often play in sustaining and mobilising community networks. Alison Gilchrist, Director, Practice Development, Community Development Foundation

... this book postively celebrates and acknowledges women's specific role, drawing on excellent examples of the campaigns women have led over the years in a variety of circumstances. ... with community development itself experiencing a revival, this revised update is very timely. Professional Social Work

... I would suggest that this would be a very useful text for social work students beyond the first year of the degree. Rachel Robbins, Lecturer in Social Work, Stockport College"... it was a delight to read a book which sets out the issues with intellectual rigour and feminist commitment whilst offering practical and tested advice." Rachel Robbins, Lecturer in Social Work, Stockport College

... compliments the work of Ruth Lister and Gail Lewis in looking at citizenship and exclusion. It covers many of the same themes: the dynamic nature of community, (in)visibility of women's action and the processes of inclusion and exclusion. As with these authors, Dominelli takes an overtly feminist stance, which celebrates women's contribution to community development.... Rachel Robbins, Lecturer in Social Work, Stockport College

Dominelli provides some articulate, accessible and politically charged nuggets of research and opinion... I have enjoyed reading this book and am invigorated and encouraged by the account of women's influence on community cohesion. SWAP website review, Nov 2007

About this edition

• Publisher: Venture Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0900102772
• ISBN 13: 9780900102776
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160