Conceptualising discursive communities: developing community in contemporary society

Abstract

What happens when people find themselves left out of communities? Who is missing and why does it matter? What can one do to narrow the gap? What is community? How has community been represented in theory? The quality of life of a population is an important concern in so many areas, and a significant part of our standard of living is measured by many social and economic factors. This paper will conceptualise ideas and theories of association and associated life, social capital, and civic community. The notion of community development and social constructions are most certainly crucial in the representation and debates surrounding this phenomenon. This paper will engage with the notions, discourses and thinking that encapsulate all aspects of community development.

Keywords:

• community
• community development
• governance
• participation