Community Associations and Centres

Book excerpt: Community Associations and Centres: A Comparative Study is a comparative study of four community associations and centers in Edinburgh, Scotland (Sighthill, Leith, Pentland, and Pilton). The place of community associations against the much wider background of social change is examined, paying particular attention to issues such as whether the community association is a response to the decline of other social institutions such as the churches. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book first provides an overview of community associations and community work before focusing on community associations in Scotland in general and in Edinburgh in particular. The evolution of community associations in Sighthill, Leith, Pentland, and Pilton is then considered, along with the role of local authorities in encouraging the growth of community associations. Subsequent chapters deal with patterns of membership and attendance in community associations as well as financial arrangements; purposes and activities; the leadership factor in the development of a community association; problems of communication and organizational structure; and the need for professional staff. This monograph will be of interest to social historians, sociologists, social policymakers, and community workers.