Community development : development and method of planned change

Every few years there is need for a volume which reviews the "state of the art" of community development. In theory and practice it differs so markedly from country to country, that a special effort has to be made periodically to assess its programmes. This ground-breaking study not only provides a new perspective on com munity development, but also sheds light on the theory and method of planned change itself.

The book opens with an intro ductory section dealing with some of the salient characteristics, limita tions, and potentials of community development. This is followed by an examination of some significant theoretical aspects. Yet another section is devoted to analysing community development methods and strategies. In conclusion, an effort is made to review community develop ment policies and programmes, and conceptual models are developed.

The essays in this book, all written by well known students of community development, reflect a balanced, synthetic approach. Their overriding concern is to provide relevant facts and interpretations in an effort to stimulate further research and theory building, and to serve indirectly as an aid in planning and community development practice.