Community Development and Civil Society: Making Connections in the European Context

Community development and civil society demonstrates the contribution that community development can make to strengthening civil society, a concept that today has global significance. Set within the context of Europe, with particular reference to the UK and Hungary, the authors argue that community development is both a profession and a social movement and can be applied to a wide range of issues including socialisation, economic wealth, social participation, social control and mutual support.

Relevant to the discussion and analysis of democracy, governance and participation, the book places these concepts within an appraisal of civil society and the contrasting ways in which this key component of a democratic society is defined.

The book interweaves case studies with discussion of community development principles and theory to provide a critical and accessible approach. It will appeal both to students and practitioners, and also be of interest to managers and policymakers responsible for community programmes and policies.