ABSTRACT
Contemporary urban regeneration policy is implemented on the ground via local urban regeneration partnerships (URPs) that comprise representations from a variety of 'partners' or 'interest groups'. It is important to note that community forums, the formal governance structure that enable local communities to participate officially within URPs, form the locus of analysis of 'community power' and the significance of 'race'. In considering what research methodology to use to study 'community power' within local URPs, particular attention was paid to the need to identify an approach that would enable the exercise of community power to be observed and measured. Central government's commitment to partnership has also been complemented by a 'turn to community' in urban regeneration policy. A number of key theories may be used to explain the nature of power within policy processes. These include: elite theory, Marxist or structuralist theories, regime theory and pluralist theories. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.
