ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the ideas around Social Change and argues that it is the defining purpose of community development. In particular we suggest that social change is a process that operates in the legal, economic and personal dimensions. We recognise that any significant change process will involve ethical issues and a range of other social tensions. Specifically, we explore how social change can be analysed through the four areas below:
Social justice – equal opportunity and the achievement of all human rights
Solidarity – cohesion, empathy, co-operation and associational life
Participation – opportunities for everyone to play a meaningful part in development
Security – livelihood security and safety from physical threats
In analysing community development practice, it is important to assess how far it is engaged with promoting social change.
