Community action a force for social change? Some conceptual observations. Resolve Working Paper Series, 01-08, University of Surrey.

This paper provides a concise overview of how the term ‘community’ has been conceptualised in sociological literatures, noting that there remains considerable uncertainty with regard to the way in which communities could or should be defined. The paper explores concepts relevant to the progression of community-based initiatives and other approaches to pursuing community action as a force for social change (e.g. individual and collective behavioural change towards a more sustainable future). It is suggested that these attempts need to capitalise on the special nature of communities, tapping into their innovative and receptive capacity. An understanding of some of the theoretical underpinnings can be useful in providing a framework from which to develop carefully planned action strategies