ABSTRACT
This chapter uses the work of Antonio Gramsci to explore how power is created and deployed in society. This is important because disadvantaged people and communities are often relatively powerless, and change can only be created through the acquisition of power. Specifically, we look at how:
The current social order, which disadvantages many, is produced by the action of the state and civil society working in mutually reinforcing ways
The process of hegemony creates a ‘common sense’ whereby people consent to that given social order
Community Development could be part of a social movement for change, supporting people to develop new ways of thinking, acting and associating
Because of the global nature of hegemony, fundamental social change must embody thinking, acting and working together at local, national and global levels
Community Development workers are well placed to support this thinking and acting at all levels
Community development workers need to understand power, how it is created, gained and deployed for development and change purposes.
