Democracy in Action - Community Action and Urban Change

Erscheinungsjahr 2004
ISBN: 978-0-231-12672-4
Verlag: Columbia University Press

Buch, Englisch, 296 Seiten, Format (B × H): 157 mm x 236 mm, Gewicht: 586 g

In cities across the United States, grassroots organizations are working to revitalize popular participation in disenfranchised communities by bringing ordinary people into public life. By engaging local residents in collective action to achieve common goals, community organizing expands the democratic process and enables people to create strong communities that serve their needs.

This book examines the techniques these organizations use to achieve their goals. Through the stories of ten organizations working in economically and racially diverse urban neighborhoods (in Chicago and Portland, Oregon) the author explores the strengths and limitations of the five dominant models of community organizing in use today: power-based, community-building, civic, women-centered, and transformative. Based on original empirical research, the book combines in-depth analysis with invaluable lessons for practitioners.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Smock, Kristina

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein Gesellschaftstheorie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Demokratie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Kommunal-, Regional-, und Landespolitik
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Politische Soziologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Staatsbürgerkunde, Staatsbürgerschaft, Zivilgesellschaft
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Politische Soziologie und Psychologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziale Arbeit/Sozialpädagogik Soziale Dienste, Soziale Organisationen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Part I: Introduction Popular Democracy and Urban ChangeModels of Community Organizing: An OverviewPart II: Organizing the Community Building Individual Capacity: Developing Local LeadersBuilding Community Capacity: Networks and Social CapitalBuilding a Community Governance StructurePart III: Creating Urban Change Diagnosing and Framing the Community's ProblemsTaking Action: Strategies and OutcomesWidening the Scope: Organizing for Broader Social ChangePart IV: Conclusion: Lessons Learned

Über Autor(innen)

Kristina Smock is a consultant to non-profit organizations working in the fields of community organizing, community development, and public policy.