The Future of Community: Reports of a Death Greatly Exaggerated
About this ebook
There is no doubt that modern societies, underpinned by a ruthlessly competitive and individualistic economic system, have undermined ties of family, solidarity and commonality. However, when an idea of community is articulated it is almost invariably along conservative and reactionary lines - with unelected spokespersons unquestionably accepted as 'community leaders', and with formal contractual relationships taking the place of 'traditional' social order. The short, punchy articles in this book criticise attempts by the state and other agencies to correct the so-called collapse of communities.
This book is for students and citizens looking to get beyond the hysterical rhetoric of the government and media to find out about the real communities of the 21st century.
About the author
Dave Clements works as a policy adviser in children's social care. He has written widely for publications including the Guardian, spiked-online and Community Care Magazine. He is the co-editor of The Future of Community (Pluto, 2008).
Alastair Donald is researching Urban Systems and Metropolitan Design at the Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies, University of Cambridge. He is co-editor of The Future of Community (Pluto, 2009) and The Lure of the City (Pluto, 2011).
Martin Earnshaw was a convenor of the 2006 Future of Community conference, held at Central St Martins. He is co-editor of The Future of Community (Pluto, 2008).
Austin Williams is author of The Enemies of Progress (Societas, 2008) and co-editor of The Future of Community (Pluto, 2009) and The Lure of the City (Pluto, 2008). He is the founder of ManTownHuman, director of the Future Cities Project and convenor of the infamous 'Bookshop Barnies' book discussions.
