Understanding Community

"Very clear introduction to concepts and issues surroudning community linking theoretical models very clearly with practice examples." Dexter duBoulay, Coventry University

"It is topical, well referenced and contains plenty to consider..a useful text for those studying social policy, sociology, community development, urban regeneration and social work." Journal of Social Policy

"An exhilarating discussion, which opens up new ways of thinking about an old problem." Journal of Regional Science

"In developing his conception of beloved community, Peter Somerville brings a fresh and radical perspective to communitarian theory and practice. This book will inspire and provoke readers in equal measure." Jonathan Davies, University of Warwick

Peter Somerville is Professor of Social Policy and Head of the Policy Studies Research Centre at the University of Lincoln, England. He has researched and published widely on issues of housing, policing, race equality, substance misuse, homelessness, cooperative enterprise and community governance.

PART I;

The nature of community;

Capital, class and community;

Political community under capitalism;

Governmental approaches to community;

PART II;

Community economic development (CED);

Community learning;

Community health and social care;

Housing and community;

Community policing;

Conclusion.