Understanding Different Forms of Community Development: A Review of Literature

Community development is often a nebulous term defined by many conceptual and practical characterizations (Christenson - Robinson, 1980; Summers, 1986; Wilkinson, 1991). This is particularly tangible in the twenty-first century, characterized by a larger and growing presence of communities engaged in community development efforts. The growing interest in community development has resulted from the field’s proven capacity to deliver solutions to community problems. Additionally, the multifaceted ways in which communities worldwide participate in community development efforts (Walzer, 2010) has contributed to community development’s conceptual and practical pluralism. As a result, an increase in numbers and variability of individuals and organizations from multiple disciplines and frameworks practicing and studying community development has become palpable (Walzer, 2010). Policy-makers, practitioners, and academics should benefit from better understanding not only what community development is from a conceptual and overarching standpoint, but from an applied perspective, by acknowledging the different stakeholders, goals, and processes engaged to achieve such goals. Understanding of the different forms of community development and how they can complement each other is critical for establishing future processes that try to minimize the weaknesses of each form and promote their strengths.