View source for Transforming or Reforming Capitalism - Chapter 2 - Ghorayshi, Gradon, Kliewer "Towards a Social Theory in Community Economic Development: Idealizing Community in the Era of Globalization"





The chapter discusses what [[CED]]  is, whether it can be a solution; the history of local [[empowerment]] , how [[CED]]  has worked, that different definitions and [[strategies]]  are used. The inconsistent notion of [[community]]  is discussed. The potential that current [[CED]]  may counter-productively contribute to neo-liberal [[capital]] ism is discussed, with transformative [[CED]] , meant to disrupt and challenge, [[present]] ed as a solution.  

When discussing [[community]] , [[linkage]] s between place, economy, and [[culture]] , social continuity, good [[citizenship]]  and a sense of belonging are major topics. The concept of [[community]]  is used as a tool to discuss social transformation and cohesion, disruption of the traditional order and patterns by events such as [[industrialization]] , [[urbanization]]  and the rise of [[capitalism]].

In examining a shift from [[support]] ive [[communities]]  based on kinship and common aims to larger, more impersonal societys based on interlocking [[economic]] , political etc interests, the social sciences became preoccupied with the implications of these events.

[[Background]]

Approaches to [[community]]  development derived from colonial administration efforts [[post world war II]]  in developing basic [[education]] , as well as nation-state changes, market economy, communications and transnational connections. The term was used often in the UN in the [[1950s]] , and appeared in [[1960s]]  in social sciences approaches. It returns to attention today due to globalization.      

Accellerating, uneven concentration of [[capital]] , wealth, power, [[resources]]  and growth through globalization have [[marginalized]]  and depressed populations and regions, such as [[women]]  and unpaid [[worker]] s.

Socio-economic theorists, civil society groups question [[capital]] ist imbalances and exclusion, instead favouring [[democratic]] ization, sharing, cooperation, and ideals that favour [[collective]]  well-being. Government, NGOs, academics have proposed remedial models: [[CED]]  (a term mainly used in the West), is one of them.

Local [[community]]  efforts in North America date to [[early 20th century]]  settler [[communities]] , losing their popularity in in the [[1950s - 1960s]]  due to a surge in [[capital]] ism. By the [[1980s]] , globalization, post-industrialism and neo-liberal policies, promoted market players and [[support]] ed by [[government]] , had deprecated [[welfare]]  state ideals. Civil society, in forms such as NGOs, [[CDC]] s, CD, [[CED]] , [[community development intermediary organizations]] , micro-enterprise, micro-lending, [[participatory rural appraisal]] , etc emerged in [[support]]  of local development and [[empowerment]] , with an assumption they could [[support]]  good [[social services]] . [[Success]] es have included fighting the [[economic]]  problems of exclusion, and time dollar banks.

[[Definition of CED]]

[[CED]]  includes gap-filling (discussed in ToRC ch 1), with a local [[community]]  and [[economic]]  focus.

[[Community]]  has many definitions, geographic and virtual. Relationships, shared experiences, and human scale form an important part, often opposed to bureacracy and [[centralization]] . The term is romanticized to emphasize unity over differences, the assumption that local development is better than non-local, civil society better than the state, face to face communications is more pure, and assumes a "dream" of participatory [[democracy]] .

[[Economic Development (Capitalist Growth)]]

The growth-based approach assumes developing local industries to integrate into the larger [[capital]] ist economy to bring more [[prosperity]] . Ironic concerns arise around societical fragmentation due to adapted [[CED]]  terms (and related terms, such as "social [[capital]] " used like a [[financial]]  state rather than relationships), and making communites bankable components of the larger [[capital]] ist system. Interventions end up serving individuals rather than [[communities]] , dismember [[government]] , and serve as forms of social control by their definition. The section concludes that this kind of growth is most appropriate in emergencies, with more complex process required under ordinary circumstances.  

[[Transformation Challenges and Possibilities]]

[[CED]]  needs to challenge and transform beyond local geography, to a sense of place (belonging) and global alliances, balancing diversity and unity, state and civil society, holding local [[lead]] ers accountable and breaking social classes, by demystifying and [[providing]]  alternatives to [[capital]] ist structures, [[ally]] ing itself with [[movement]] s such as for the [[environment]] , peace, [[women]] 's and gay rights.   

[[CED]]  changes the focus from [[economic]]  growth and profit, to how wealth is used and distributed, not just including market activities but also private and [[public]]  spaces, with people [[prioritize]] d before [[capital]] , integrating [[economic]] , ecological, political and [[cultural]]  development aimed towards reclaiming "the [[community]] ." 

Technology can be used in transformative [[strategies]] . [[CED]]  may also link [[economic]] , social, [[environmental]] , political and [[cultural]]  considerations, departing from the current [[economic]]  system, and as a way to [[engage]]  with [[government]] . 


[[Transforming or Reforming Capitalism - Chapter 3 - Lamb "Towards an Economic Theory of Community Economic Development"]]
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