Analysing community work : its theory and practice / Keith Popple.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 105-124) and index.

Ch. 1. Introduction -- Ch. 2. The development of British community work -- Ch. 3. Community work theory -- Ch. 4. Community work theory: the way forward? -- Ch. 5. Models of community work -- Ch. 6. Community work in practice -- Ch. 7. Conclusion and future directions -- Appendix A: Select Community Development Project bibliography -- Appendix B: Job categories where community work training units could be of relevance.

What is a community work - in theory and in practice? Community work is a unique and important activity that offers the potential of assisting individuals, groups and communities to achieve change. Keith Popple examines this contested activity analysing its varying theoretical base and practical application. After discussing the development of community work he considers a number of contemporary themes and issues. The author argues for a more critical analysis of community work drawing on a range of key concepts and on the experiences of emerging social movements. He also encourages the extension of community work training and supports the efforts made to establish a national validated qualification.

Analysing Community Work: Its Theory and Practice will be of value to students, educators, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of community work, youth and community work, social work and social policy. It will also assist those in occupations such as housing management, co-operative development and advice and advocacy who are developing their services along community work lines.