The Politics of Community: Theory & Practice

Abstract

Community is one of the most widely used yet also one of the most complex concepts in modern political thought. This book provides an introduction to the concept, showing how philosophical ideas can be used in political practice.The aims of the book are to (i) provide a critical analysis of the historical use of the concept of community in political philosophy and sociological theory; (ii) demonstrate the problems that emanate from the division between communitarianism and liberalism; (iii) contrast the orthodox views on communitarianism of conservative thinkers in the UK and USA with more radical and egalitarian perspectives; (iv) consider possible new ways of thinking about notions of community in relation to social and economic policies; (v) show the relevance of community to debates about democracy, pluralism, difference and the future of the state and civil society. While other books consider either the philosophical or the policy elements of community, this book is unique in drawing together these strands and demonstrating their links. As such it is an ideal textbook for undergraduate students, grounding abstract and quite difficult theory in contemporary situations.