Women and Community Action

Book excerpt: Women have long been the mainstay of communities and heavily involved in community initiatives in various guises. Though often the unsung heros of community action, women's role in a community's growth and development has become increasingly important in a globalising world that has changed considerably since the first edition of this classic text was published. In Britain, for example, women are making a vital contribution to New Labour's 'regeneration strategies' in local communities and central to the social inclusion agenda. Women are also central to sustainable development projects in countries in the South.Drawing on women's experience of community work and community action, this revised edition explores these developments and the reasons for the limited increases in women's well-being. Linking historical material to the present, "Women and Community Action" examines the ways in which women organise to secure social change that enhances the quality of life at individual and community levels. And, it provides practical skills to enhance capacity building alongside a discussion of theoretical and conceptual issues.As well as focusing on women, the book discusses gender relations more widely and highlights the differentiated position of both men and women in community work. It considers how the gender gap might be bridged in terms of building more socially cohesive communities that promote egalitarian social relations.Aimed primarily at students of social work, community work, sociology and social policy, practitioners and policy makers will also find the book an invaluable resource.