02 - Introduction and Scope of Community Development - Theories and Practices p.1

Q: What intellectual tradition does Ubuntu contribute to community development?

Shared humanity, connectedness, and collective responsibility—"I am because we are"—forming a philosophical foundation for community-centered development.

Q: How does the industrial revolution relate to the history of community development?

It spurred social reform movements responding to inequality, urbanization, and mechanization, shaping early CD theories.

Q: What did Ibn Khaldun contribute to CD thinking?

His distinction between basic needs (food, clothing) and secondary needs (tools, intellect) influenced later Basic Needs Approaches.

Q: What is the core idea of critical theory in CD?

It combines theory and practice (praxis) to empower communities, challenge inequality, and promote transformative social change.

Q: What does Paulo Freire mean by "conscientization"?

The process through which oppressed groups critically analyze their conditions and link personal struggles to structural inequalities.

Q: What role does dialogue play in Freire’s critical pedagogy?

Helps communities reflect, share experiences, and develop new understandings that lead to empowerment and action.

Q: What are John Friedman’s four corners of planning?

Policy analysis, social reform, social learning, and social mobilization—CD focuses most on the last two.

Q: What is Alinsky’s contribution to CD theory?

His community organizing model emphasized grassroots mobilization and collective action, exemplified by the BYNC.

Q: What did Ivan Illich critique in relation to CD?

Public schooling for reinforcing inequality, influencing movements like Education for All.

Q: What does Resource and Social Mobilization Theory emphasize?

Collective action that challenges power structures and strengthens civil society as a force for reform.

Q: What is the focus of identity orientation paradigms?

How ideological consciousness and identity shape social movements and alternative political imaginaries.

Q: What was the purpose of the Ashridge Conference (1945)?

To explore how CD could shape public participation and improve living standards through community involvement.

Q: How did British colonial policy influence CD in Africa and Asia?

CD was used to increase local participation in development and prepare territories for independence.

Q: What is the significance of the Antigonish Movement in Canada?

It advanced adult education and cooperative development, shaping modern CD practice.

Q: What are the three core principles of community development?

Participation, equity and social justice, and sustainability.

Q: What does participation mean in CD?

Involving community members in decision-making, recognizing local knowledge, and building capacity from within.

Q: Why is equity important in CD?

It ensures fairness, challenges discrimination, and guarantees access to resources and democratic rights.

Q: What does sustainability require in CD?

Protecting natural resources, ensuring long-term viability, and using technologies that communities can maintain.

Q: What strengthens cooperation and accountability in CD?

Transparency, mutual respect, shared responsibility, and valuing each person’s contributions.

Q: What defines good CD practice?

Representative participation, mutual learning, cultural inclusion, capacity building, and long-term community well-being.

Q: What is the role of a CD worker?

Facilitate resource mobilization, ensure bottom-up development, support capacity building, and empower communities.

Q: What characterizes communities in denial?

They ignore or minimize problems due to historical distrust or feelings of powerlessness.

Q: What is a corrosive community?

A community fractured by disaster, mistrust, blame, and long-term social disruption.

Q: What defines communities of activists?

Groups united by shared purpose, often environmental justice, mobilizing collectively for change.