Analysing Community Work: Its Theory and Practice

What is a community work - in theory and in practice?
Community work is a unique and important activity that offers the potential of assisting individuals, groups and communities to achieve change. Keith Popple examines this contested activity analysing its varying theoretical base and practical application. After discussing the development of community work he considers a number of contemporary themes and issues. The author argues for a more critical analysis of community work drawing on a range of key concepts and on the experiences of emerging social movements. He also encourages the extension of community work training and supports the efforts made to establish a national validated qualification.
Analysing Community Work: Its Theory and Practice will be of value to students, educators, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of community work, youth and community work, social work and social policy. It will also assist those in occupations such as housing management, co-operative development and advice and advocacy who are developing their services along community work lines.

Keith Popple is a Senior Lecturer in Social Policy in the Department of Applied Social Science, University of Plymouth.