THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORK

Community development work encompasses various theories and approaches aimed at empowering
communities to address their own needs and improve their quality of life.

These theories often intersect and complement each other, informing the design and implementation of
effective community development strategies. Additionally, NSTP-CWTS students may adapt and integrate
multiple theories based on the specific needs and contexts of the communities they serve.

Here are some key theories commonly applied in community development:

I. ASSET-BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (ABCD)

ABCD focuses on identifying and mobilizing the existing strengths and assets within a community,
rather than solely focusing on its deficits. This approach emphasizes community-driven initiatives and
builds upon the skills, knowledge, and resources already present in the community.

From the start, an Asset Based approach spends time identifying the assets of individuals,
associations and institutions that form the community. The identified assets from an individual are matched
with people or groups who have an interest in or need for those strengths. The key is beginning to use
what is already in the community. Then to work together to build on the identified assets of all involved.

The first key method of the ABCD approach is that development begins with the recognition of asset
categories that can be uncovered in any community and place. When applying ABCD principles,
communities are not thought of as complex masses of needs and problems, but rather diverse and capable
webs of gifts and assets. Each community has a unique set of skills and capacities it can channel for
community development.

Guiding Principles for ABCD

Most communities address social and economic problems with only a small amount of their total
capacity. Much of the community capacity is not used and is needed! This is the challenge and opportunity
of community engagement. Everyone in a community has something to offer. There is no one we don’t
need.
❖ Everyone Has Gifts with rare exception; people can contribute and want to contribute. Gifts must
be discovered.
❖ Relationships Build a Community see them, make them, and utilize them. An intentional effort to
build and nourish relationships is the core of ABCD and of all community building.
❖ Citizens at the Center, it is essential to engage the wider community as actors (citizens) not just
as recipients of services (clients).
❖ Leaders Involve Others as Active Members of the Community. Leaders from the wider community
of voluntary associations, congregations, neighborhoods, and local business, can engage others
from their sector. This “following” is based on trust, influence, and relationship.
❖ People Care About Something agencies and neighborhood groups often complain about apathy.
Apathy is a sign of bad listening. People in communities are motivated to act. The challenge is to
discover what their motivation is.
❖ Motivation to Act must be identified. People act on certain themes they feel strongly about, such
as; concerns to address, dreams to realize, and personal talents to contribute. Every community
is filled with invisible “motivation for action”. Listen for it.
❖ Listening Conversation – one-on-one dialogue or small group conversations are ways of
discovering motivation and invite participation. Forms, surveys and asset maps can be useful to
guide intentional listening and relationship building.
❖ Ask, Ask, Ask – asking and inviting are key community-building actions. “Join us. We need you.”
This is the song of community.
❖ Asking Questions Rather Than Giving Answers Invites Stronger Participation. People in
communities are usually asked to follow outside expert’s answers for their community problems.
A more powerful way to engage people is to invite communities to address ‘questions’ and finding
their own answer-- with agencies following up to help.
❖ A Citizen-Centered “Inside-Out” Organization is the Key to Community Engagement – A “citizen-
centered” organization is one where local people control the organization and set the
organization’s agenda.
❖ Institutions Have Reached Their Limits in Problem-Solving – all institutions such as government,
non-profits, and businesses are stretched thin in their ability to solve community problems. They
cannot be successful without engaging the rest of the community in solutions.
❖ Institutions as Servants – people are better than programs in engaging the wider community.
Leaders in institutions have an essential role in community-building as they lead by “stepping
back,” creating opportunities for citizenship, care, and real democracy.

Asset Based Community Development categorizes asset inventories into five groups:
1) Individuals
At the center are residents of the community who all have gifts and skills. Individual gifts and
assets need to be recognized and identified. In community development you cannot do anything
with people’s needs, only their assets. Deficits or needs are only useful to institutions.
2) Associations
Small informal groups of people, such as clubs, working with a common interest as volunteers are
called associations in ABCD, and are critical to community mobilization. They don’t control
anything; they are just coming together around a common interest by their individual choice.
3) Institutions
Paid groups of people that generally are professionals who are structurally organized are called
institutions. They include government agencies and private business, as well as schools, etc. They
can all be valuable resources. The assets of these institutions help the community capture valuable
resources and establish a sense of civic responsibility.
4) Place Based Assets
Land, buildings, heritage, public and green spaces are all examples of assets for the community.
Every place where people choose to be was chosen for good reasons, and whilst people remain
those reasons remain. A place might be a center of natural resources, a hub of activity, living skills,
transit connection or marketplace. Whatever the strengths of a place are, the people of the
community will be the closest to understanding it.
5) Connections
Asset Based Community Development recognizes that the exchange between people sharing their
gifts and assets creates connections, and these connections are a vital asset to the community.
People whose gift is to find and create these connections are called connectors. It takes time to
find out about individuals; this is normally done through building relationships, person by person.
The social relationships, networks and trust form the social capital of a community. ABCD
recognizes the value of these assets, and is a practical application of building relationships to
increase social capital.
 II. SOCIAL CAPITAL THEORY

This theory posits that social networks and relationships within a community are valuable resources
that can be leveraged for collective action and development. Building social capital involves fostering trust,
reciprocity, and collaboration among community members to achieve common goals.

It emphasizes the importance of social connections in fostering community well-being and resilience.
Social capital can manifest in various forms, including bonding (within a close-knit group), bridging (across
diverse groups), and linking (between different levels of society or institutions). Building social capital
involves nurturing relationships, promoting civic engagement, and fostering reciprocity among community
members. High levels of social capital are associated with numerous positive outcomes, such as improved
health, increased economic opportunities, and greater social cohesion. However, social capital can also
have downsides, such as exclusionary tendencies or the reinforcement of existing power dynamics.
Overall, Social Capital Theory highlights the significance of social relationships and networks in promoting
community development and resilience.

III. EMPOWERMENT THEORY

Empowerment theory emphasizes the importance of enabling individuals and communities to gain
control over their lives and environments. It involves providing opportunities for participation, skill-building,
and decision-making, thereby enhancing people's confidence and agency to effect positive change.

Empowerment theory focuses on how oppression contributes to this experience. It centers on helping
marginalized people at individual, group and community levels gain the personal, interpersonal and
political power to improve their lives. Additionally, the model seeks to challenge systems that prevent or
hinder people from having their needs met.

Empowerment theory focuses on enhancing people's capacity, agency, and resources to make
informed decisions, take action, and achieve desired outcomes. It involves a shift from a deficit-based
approach to one that emphasizes strengths, assets, and self-determination.

Key Principles:
Participation: Encouraging active involvement and engagement of individuals and communities in
decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Critical Consciousness: Promoting awareness of social, economic, and political structures that perpetuate
inequality and oppression, and fostering critical analysis and action.
Access to Resources: Providing individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources
necessary to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive context that values diversity, promotes inclusion, and
respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.

The Dimensions of Empowerment refer to the multifaceted aspects of empowering individuals and
communities to gain control over their lives and environments. There are several key dimensions:
1) Political Empowerment: This dimension involves giving individuals and communities the ability to
participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. It includes access to political
institutions, rights, and resources necessary for meaningful participation in governance.
 2) Social Empowerment: Social empowerment focuses on enhancing individuals' and communities'
social capital, self-esteem, and sense of belonging. It involves building supportive networks,
fostering solidarity, and promoting inclusive social norms that value diversity and equality.
3) Economic Empowerment: Economic empowerment aims to increase individuals' and communities'
control over economic resources and opportunities. This dimension includes access to education,
employment, financial services, and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as the ability to
influence economic policies and systems.
4) Cultural Empowerment: Cultural empowerment involves recognizing and valuing diverse cultural
identities, knowledge systems, and practices within a community. It includes efforts to preserve
cultural heritage, promote cultural expression, and challenge oppressive cultural norms and
stereotypes.
5) Psychological Empowerment: Psychological empowerment focuses on enhancing individuals'
confidence, motivation, and sense of agency to take action and make positive changes in their
lives. This dimension involves providing opportunities for skill-building, autonomy, and self-
determination.
6) Environmental Empowerment: Environmental empowerment pertains to enabling individuals and
communities to participate in environmental decision-making processes and to advocate for
sustainable development practices. It includes efforts to protect natural resources, mitigate
environmental risks, and promote environmental justice.

IV. COMMUNITY ORGANIZING THEORY

Community organizing focuses on mobilizing community members around shared interests or

concerns to advocate for social, economic, or political change. This approach involves grassroots
organizing, coalition-building, and strategic action to address systemic issues and promote community
empowerment.

Key Principles:
❖ Grassroots Mobilization: Engaging community members from diverse backgrounds in identifying
common concerns and organizing collective action.
❖ Leadership Development: Empowering individuals within the community to take on leadership roles,
build skills, and mobilize others.
❖ Coalition-Building: Forming alliances and partnerships with other organizations, groups, and
stakeholders to amplify collective voices and increase leverage.
❖ Direct Action: Utilizing nonviolent tactics such as protests, rallies, boycotts, and civil disobedience to
raise awareness, pressure decision-makers, and effect change.
❖ Campaign Strategy: Developing strategic plans and tactics to achieve specific goals, such as policy
reform, community development projects, or social justice initiatives.

Process – Community organizing typically follows a cyclical process that includes:

1) Issue Identification: Identifying key concerns or grievances within the community.
2) Leadership Development: Cultivating leadership skills among community members and empowering
them to take action.
3) Building Relationships: Forming alliances, coalitions, and partnerships with other organizations and
stakeholders.
4) Action Planning: Developing strategies and tactics to address the identified issues and achieve
desired outcomes.
5) Implementation: Mobilizing community members to take collective action and implement the planned
strategies.
6) Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of actions taken and adjusting strategies as needed.

V. PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR)

PAR combines research and action in collaboration with community members to identify problems,
develop solutions, and create positive social change. It prioritizes the participation of those most affected by
the research topic, empowering them to contribute their knowledge and expertise to the process.

PAR is used in various fields, including community development, public health, education, environmental
justice, and social work. It is particularly well-suited for addressing complex social issues that require
interdisciplinary approaches and community-driven solutions.

PAR is a framework for conducting research and generating knowledge centered on the belief that those
who are most impacted by research should be the ones taking the lead in framing the questions, the design,
 methods, and the modes of analysis of such research projects. The framework is rooted in the belief that there
is value in both traditionally recognized knowledge, such as scholarship generated by university-based
researchers, and historically delegitimized knowledge, such as knowledge generated within marginalized
communities.

PAR typically follows a cyclical process that includes:

1) Problem Identification: Collaboratively identifying key issues or concerns within the community.
2) Planning: Developing a research plan and methodology that reflects the community's priorities and
values.
3) Data Collection: Collecting data through various methods such as interviews, surveys, focus groups,
or observations.
4) Analysis: Collaboratively analyzing and interpreting the data to generate insights and identify potential
solutions.
5) Action: Implementing strategies and interventions based on the research findings to address the
identified problems or promote positive change.
6) Reflection and Evaluation: Reflecting on the outcomes of the action taken, evaluating its impact, and
revising strategies as needed.

VI. ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY

This theory considers the complex interactions between individuals, communities, and larger social
systems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various factors influencing community development. It
highlights the importance of understanding the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental contexts in
which communities are situated.

Developed by psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, Ecological Systems Theory proposes that human
development is influenced by multiple interconnected systems, ranging from the immediate microsystem
to the broader macrosystem. These systems interact dynamically over time to shape individuals'
experiences, behaviors, and outcomes:
A. Microsystem: The microsystem refers to the immediate environments in which individuals interact
directly, such as family, school, peers, and community. It is where most of an individual's daily
experiences and social interactions occur.
B. Mesosystem: The mesosystem involves the connections and interactions between different
microsystems, such as the relationship between family and school, or between home and work
environments. These connections can either facilitate or hinder development.
C. Exosystem: The exosystem comprises settings or institutions that indirectly influence individuals'
development, such as parents' workplaces, local government policies, or mass media. Although
individuals may not directly participate in these settings, they can still be affected by them through
their connections to other systems.
D. Macrosystem: The macrosystem represents the broader cultural, societal, and ideological context
in which development occurs. It encompasses cultural norms, values, belief systems,
socioeconomic factors, and historical influences that shape individuals' experiences and
opportunities.
E. Chronosystem: The chronosystem refers to the dynamic nature of development over time and how
various systems and influences change and interact across different life stages. It includes both
major life events (e.g., marriage, job loss) and historical events (e.g., economic recessions, wars)
that can have lasting effects on individuals' development.
 Ecological systems theory is concerned with the interaction and interdependence of individuals with their
surrounding systems and encourages social workers to take a holistic view by assessing how individuals
affect and are affected by such physical, social, political, and cultural systems.

VII. COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CED)

CED focuses on enhancing local economies and creating sustainable livelihoods within communities.
It involves initiatives such as supporting small businesses, developing local infrastructure, and promoting
economic inclusivity to build community wealth and resilience.

Community economic development (CED) is a comprehensive approach that aims to strengthen local
economies and improve the well-being of communities. Initiatives and strategies are driven by a
community’s social, environmental and economic priorities. It emphasizes the active involvement and
participation of community members in shaping the economic development initiatives and decisions that
affect their lives. CED is not just about attracting outside investments; it is about nurturing local
entrepreneurship, fostering innovation, and promoting equitable economic development that benefits
everyone.

Community economic development offers numerous benefits within the community, ensuring that
communities shape their local economic future both strategically and practically. Firstly, it fosters local
empowerment through extensive engagement with community members in decision-making processes,
providing them with the ability to actively shape the future of their communities. CED strategies also
promote economic resilience, encouraging diversifying local economies and reducing dependency on
external factors. Through its focus on encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses, and
promoting local resources, CED strengthens the economic foundation of communities, making them more
resilient to economic shocks. Investments made within the community because of CED strategies also
tend to generate a multiplier effect, circulating locally, stimulating further economic activity and creating a
positive ripple effect.

Community economic development not only improves the overall economic well-being of the
community but also enhances social cohesion and quality of life for residents. Ultimately, by harnessing
the power of CED, economic development professionals can create sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous
communities for the long term.
 1) Livelihood Focused:
CED views the economy as a means to enhance the well-being and overall quality of life for all
individuals within communities. Rather than solely prioritizing profitability and production, CED views
the ultimate objective of economic activity as the well-being of individuals and their livelihood. In line
with this perspective, CED planning extends beyond a narrow focus on the “economy” alone and
encompasses the intersections and interactions between various aspects of our communities and the
economy.
2) Diverse and Inclusive:
CED prioritizes equitable and inclusive development. It seeks to reduce disparities and create
opportunities for all community members, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, gender, or
other characteristics. This principle promotes fair access to economic resources, employment,
education, and services, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by all.
3) Sustainable:
CED promotes long-term sustainability by considering environmental, social, and economic factors. It
seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, social well-being, and
intergenerational equity. This principle encourages practices that minimize resource depletion, waste
generation, and negative social impacts while fostering resilience and inclusivity.
4) Place-based:
CED focuses on identifying and leveraging the existing assets within a community. These assets can
include physical infrastructure, natural resources, cultural heritage, human capital, and social
networks. By building upon these strengths, CED aims to create sustainable and locally rooted
economic opportunities.
5) Community-controlled:
CED places a strong emphasis on involving community members in the decision-making process. It
recognizes that community members have valuable knowledge and expertise about their own needs,
strengths, and aspirations. Engaging the community fosters ownership and ensures that development
efforts are responsive to local priorities.

References:
− Asset-Based Community Development (https://bit.ly/3I4zXmN)
− What is Asset-Based Community Development? (https://bit.ly/4bILW75)
− Introduction to Social Capital Theory (https://bit.ly/3ULBbuW)
− Empowerment Theory in Social Work (https://bit.ly/42OlS6r)
− Community Organizing Theory (https://bit.ly/49GwtCC)
− Participatory Action Research (https://bit.ly/3uG2uw0)
− Brofenbrenners Ecological Systems Theory (https://bit.ly/4bC22Q5)
− Community Economic Development (https://bit.ly/49aO1qN)