Populism, Democracy and Community Development

Using international perspectives and case studies, this book discusses the relationships between community development and populism in the context of today’s widespread crisis of democracy.

It investigates the development, meanings and manifestations of contemporary forms of populism and explores the synergies and contradictions between the values and practices of populism and community development.

Contributors examine the ways that the ascendancy of right-wing populist politics is influencing the landscapes within which community development is located and they offer new insights on how the field can understand and respond to the challenges of populism.

Marjorie Mayo is Emeritus Professor of Community Development, Goldsmiths, University of London. Her research has included learning for active citizenship, and access to justice in disadvantaged communities.

Emeritus Professor Sue Kenny, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Deakin University Sue Kenny’s research interests include the role of third sector organisations in generating and nurturing active citizenship, post-disaster reconstruction, risk society, transnationalism and cosmopolitanism.

Jim Ife is a Professor of Social Work at Western Sydney University.

Peter Westoby is a Senior Lecturer in Community Development at the University of Queensland and a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Development Support at the University of Free State, South Africa.