Module 1 : Introduction to Research in Community Development
Objectives
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Define research and its connection to community development.
2. Understand the historical context and key proponents of community development.
3. Identify the characteristics, purposes, and importance of community development.
4. Recognize the significance of research in informing community development practices.
5. Engage in participatory research activities to enhance community involvement.
Definition of Research
Research is a systematic and structured inquiry aimed at discovering new knowledge,
validating existing knowledge, or solving specific problems. It involves the collection, analysis,
and interpretation of data to answer questions and contribute to a broader understanding of a
topic (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). In the context of community development, research serves as
a critical tool for understanding community needs, assessing the effectiveness of interventions,
and informing policy decisions.
Definition of Community Development
Community development is a process where community members come together to
take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. It is defined by the United
Nations as a practice that promotes participative democracy, sustainable development, and
social justice through the organization, education, and empowerment of people within their
communities (United Nations, 2013). This process seeks to empower individuals and groups
with the skills necessary to effect change, fostering stronger and more resilient communities
(Kenny & Connors, 2017).
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Brief History of Community Development
Community development has evolved significantly over the past century, with its roots
tracing back to early self-help movements in the late 19th century. The concept gained traction
in the 1930s with initiatives in British East Africa, which aimed to empower local communities
through collective action (Wikipedia, 2024).
In the United States, community development became prominent during the War on
Poverty in the 1960s. This period marked a shift towards organized efforts to address poverty
and social inequality through community engagement and empowerment (NCBI Bookshelf,
2022). The establishment of various community development programs aimed to mobilize
resources and foster local leadership.
The 1970s saw radical campaigns that challenged existing social structures, while the
1980s experienced significant cutbacks in funding for community initiatives (Bristol University
Press, 2022). By the turn of the 21st century, community development gained renewed focus
with government policies emphasizing local democracy and public service improvement (Local
Trust, 2021).
Today, community development encompasses a broad range of activities and
approaches, from grassroots organizing to partnerships with governmental and non-
governmental organizations, reflecting its dynamic nature in response to societal needs
(Zdenek, 2017)
Proponents of Community Development
Community development has evolved significantly over the past century, influenced by
various social movements and practices. Notable proponents include:
1. Addams, J. (1910). Twenty years at Hull-House. Macmillan.
Jane Addams was a pioneer of the settlement house movement in the late 19th century,
which sought to improve living conditions of immigrants and the poor through education, social
services, and community organizing.
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2. Biddle, W. W. (1965). The community development process: The rediscovery of local
initiative. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
William Biddle was one of the earliest proponents of the term "community
development" in the United States in the mid-20th century. He wrote extensively on the
community development process and local initiative.
3. Chambers, R. (1983). Rural development: Putting the last first. Longman.
Robert Chambers championed the participatory development approach, emphasizing
the active involvement of community members in decision-making and implementation
processes.
4. Kretzmann, J. P., & McKnight, J. L. (1993). Building communities from the inside out: A path
toward finding and mobilizing a community's assets. ACTA Publications.
John McKnight and Jody Kretzmann developed the asset-based community
development (ABCD) approach, which emphasizes identifying and mobilizing the strengths and
assets of communities.
5. Midgley, J., Hall, A., Hardiman, M., & Narine, D. (1986). Community participation, social
development and the state. Methuen.
This book by James Midgley and colleagues critically examines the role of the state in
community development and the disillusionment with its achievements in many Southern
countries by the 1970s.
6. Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2008). Community organizing and development (4th ed.).
Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.
Rubin and Rubin's book provides a comprehensive overview of community organizing
and development, tracing its history and examining contemporary approaches.
These individuals and their works have made significant contributions to the theory, practice,
and evolution of community development over the past century.
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Other Notable Proponents Include:
1. Kretzmann and McKnight (1993): Advocated for the Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD) model, which focuses on leveraging community assets rather than deficits (Kretzmann &
McKnight, 1993).
2. Hickey and Mohan (2004): Emphasized the importance of participatory approaches in
development, arguing for inclusive participation in decision-making processes (Hickey &
Mohan, 2004).
3. Ife (2016): Highlighted the role of community development in promoting social justice and
addressing inequalities through collective action (Ife, 2016).
4. Tungpalan (2015): Discussed the evolution of community development research,
emphasizing its role as a tool for social transformation and empowerment (Tungpalan, 2015).
Characteristics of Community Development
Community development is characterized by several key features:
1. Participatory Approach: Involves community members in decision-making and
implementation processes.
2. Capacity Building: Focuses on enhancing the skills and abilities of community members to
manage their own development.
3. Sustainability: Commits to practices that ensure long-term benefits for the community and its
environment.
Purpose of Community Development
The primary purpose of community development is to improve the living conditions and
overall well-being of community members. This includes addressing issues such as poverty,
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inequality, and lack of access to essential services through collective action and resource
mobilization (Sharma & Kaur, 2018).
Importance of Research in Community Development
Research plays a critical role in community development by providing the necessary
data, insights, and frameworks to address local issues effectively. Key points include:
1. Informed Decision-Making: Research equips community leaders with data-driven insights
that inform decision-making processes (Kenny & Connors, 2017).
2. Understanding Community Dynamics: It facilitates a deeper understanding of social,
economic, and cultural dynamics within communities (Haldane et al., 2019).
3. Empowerment of Community Members: Participatory research approaches empower
community members by involving them in the research process (Tungpalan, 2015).
4. Evaluation of Programs and Policies: Research is vital for evaluating the effectiveness of
community development programs and policies (Ife, 2016).
5. Building Partnerships: Research fosters collaboration between community organizations,
academic institutions, and government agencies (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
6. Addressing Inequities: Community-engaged research focuses on tackling inequities and
amplifying the voices of marginalized groups (United Nations, 2013).
Conclusion
The integration of research into community development is essential for fostering sustainable
change. It enhances the effectiveness of interventions and empowers communities to take
charge of their development processes, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for all
members.
Activity: Reflection and Discussion
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Objective: To encourage critical thinking about the role of research in community development.
Instructions:
In one whole sheet of paper, answer the following questions :
1. How can research empower communities?
2. What challenges do communities face in conducting research?
3. How can research be used to promote social justice and equity?
4. Encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences related to community
development and research.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed
Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Haldane, V., et al. (2019). The role of community development in health promotion: A review of
the literature. Health Promotion International, 34(2), 258-269.
[Link]
Hickey, S., & Mohan, G. (Eds.). (2004). Participation: From Tyranny to Transformation? Exploring
New Approaches to Participation in Development. London: Zed Books.
Ife, J. (2016). Community Development in an Uncertain World. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Kenny, S., & Connors, R. (2017). Community Development: A Practical Guide. London:
Macmillan Education.
Kretzmann, J. P., & McKnight, J. L. (1993). Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path
Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets. Chicago: ACTA Publications.
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Sharma, B., & Kaur, J. (2018). Community Development and Panchayati Raj in India. Journal of
Advances and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, 15(4), 1–5.
[Link]
Tungpalan, M. T. V. (2015). Community Development Research: Emerging Perspectives.
Philippine Journal of Social Development, 7, 1-20.
United Nations. (2013). Community Development: A Guide for Practitioners. New York: United
Nations Publications.
Bristol University Press. (2022). Community development: Historical overview. Retrieved from
[Link]
Local Trust. (2021). A history of community development. Retrieved from
[Link]
NCBI Bookshelf. (2022). The origins and evolution of community development. Retrieved from
[Link]
Wikipedia. (2024). Community development. Retrieved from
[Link]
Zdenek, R. O. (2017). The background and history of community development organizations.
Retrieved from [Link]
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