Abstract
As community development in Govanhill is currently under-researched and its benefits perhaps locally undervalued, this research attempts to provide an insight into the impact that community development could have on the area in order to enrich the academic and local knowledge about its effects when applied to the locality. To do so, this research creates a case study, exploring the impact of a participatory approach to community development for social change in the local community of Govanhill through Roma Youth Project active participation programme. Based on statistical evidence, this research argues that Govanhill is currently an area in social and economic decline, requiring revitalisation. Reflecting the title of this dissertation and drawing on existing literature, this research suggests that Roma residents are currently largely prevented from using their assets and adding value to the locality. Based on theory of social capital and social justice, this is argued to be disadvantageous to everyone and not just to Roma people that might also be accused by some for the area’s ‘problems.’ It therefore argues that achieving community cohesion is a first step towards allowing collective action for the neighbours to hold services to account and that sustainable change in the locality can be achieved and led by the community. This research therefore explores the social revitalisation of the locality as a whole rather than the empowerment of a group or individuals, although it is understood that those three dimensions are interconnected. In addition this research raises some questions about the extent to which local council follows its legal duty to involve its citizens in decision making.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | MPhil |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 30 Jun 2005 |
Place of Publication | Glasgow |
Publication status | Published - 30 Jun 2015 |
Keywords
- sociology
- social policy
- human rights
- community engagement & participation
- community development
- migration
- Romani studies
- citizenship
- antropology social
- empowerment and development
- people based regeneration