ABSTRACT
To effectively deal with anomie, strain, and dysfunction, it is important to evaluate the people involved. This chapter connects anomie (and dysfunction likely to stem from it) to specific types of communities. It discusses the terms “indigenous”, “Native”, and “traditional” and their relevance. The chapter draws a distinction between Third World and Fourth World as well as how these environments are likely to impact ethnic minorities. It provides a synthesis of these characteristics with an eye towards understanding the strengths and vulnerabilities of specific peoples. The chapter analyzes these implications from a policy and strategy perspective. In any event, small, rural communities have often suffered by rejecting their heritage or because it was denied them. The process of decolonialization is offered as a means of restoring the rightful role of the local culture, heritage, and traditions.
