A Critique of Rothman's and Other Standard Community Organizing Models: Toward Developing a Culturally Proficient Community Organizing Framework

Abstract

This article critiques Rothman's community organizing analysis framework on the basis of (a) attention to culture as a central dynamic shaping community organizing and (b) the exclusion of organizing models endemic to African, Latin, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) communities. Other standard community organizing models are similarly analyzed, along with cross-cultural and culturally centered community organizing models. All models are examined with regard to level of cultural competence and then compared and contrasted with Rothman's original framework. Based on this analysis, a modification of Rothman's community analysis framework is proposed that includes the examination of the cultural world view(s) held in the target community and the ways in which cultural forms are used in organizing. Implications for community practice, research, and teaching are offered to conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]