SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONISM AND COMMUNITY WORK: CONFLICT, DIALOGUE AND PARTICIPATION CONSTRUCCIONISMO SOCIAL Y TRABAJO COMUNITARIO: CONFLICTO, DIÁLOGO Y PARTICIPACIÓN

Abstract

Social constructionism has influenced the development of various community interventions. The goal of this study is to describe constructionist community proposals and to analyze the use of the constructionist discourse and the challenges faced. Therefore, we analyzed the Public Conversations Project, Imagine Chicago and the Cupertino Community Project. This analysis showed: a strong emphasis on dialogue as a tool of social change; a stance of co-construction; the valuing of the multiplicity of points of view; distancing from specific commitments; and an appreciative search for co-responsibility. The study brings a critical reflexion that instigates the questioning of the view of dialogue and the appreciation of the political dimension of these community practices.