Alinsky in the 1980s: Two Contemporary Chicago Community Organizations

Abstract

During his life, the work of Saul D. Alinsky may have been distorted by his confrontational style and outspoken manner. His lasting contribution lies in his understanding of community, organization, and power. Alinsky's intuitive grasp of the complex and multifaceted character of urban social structure, his masterful mobilization of community resources and strategies for building organizations, and his commitment to democratic pluralism and instrumental community action provide the framework for interpreting his actions. The United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) and the Organization of the North East (ONE) provide two case studies of contemporary community organizations that demonstrate the ongoing practical utility of Alinsky's orientation for community organization, as well as suggest the theoretical implications of his work for contemporary sociology.