Interest in 'community' has increased in recent years for a variety of reasons, including civil renewal, active citizenship and the increasing diversity of British society. This is highlighted by the increasing governmental emphasis on 'community', leading up to the current ideas of the 'Big Society'. Understanding community is a topical text providing a clear understanding of policy and theory in relation to community. By examining areas of government policy, such as economic development, education, health, housing, and community safety, this book explores the difficulties that communities face in dealing with state power as well as discussing the new concepts of community cohesion, social capital and community capacity building. The author challenges our understanding of community and assesses the strengths and limitations of this understanding. This book is essential for students studying social policy, social work and sociology, and an invaluable resource for policymakers in community development, urban regeneration and allied fields.

About the Author
Peter Somerville is Professor of Social Policy and Head of the Policy Studies Research Centre at the University of Lincoln, England. He has researched and published widely on issues of housing, policing, race equality, substance misuse, homelessness, cooperative enterprise and community governance.

Reviews
"Very clear introduction to concepts and issues surroudning community linking theoretical models very clearly with practice examples." Dexter duBoulay, Coventry University "It is topical, well referenced and contains plenty to consider..a useful text for those studying social policy, sociology, community development, urban regeneration and social work." Journal of Social Policy "An exhilarating discussion, which opens up new ways of thinking about an old problem." Journal of Regional Science "Both pertinent academically and timely" Susie Cox, De Montfort University



Book Information
ISBN 9781847423924
Author Peter Somerville
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Policy Press