According to Ross, community organization derives from a unique frame of reference, which assumes a distinct form due to a particular value orientation which stems from traditional religious values which have been
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expanded to form the basis of social work philosophy; a particular conception of the problems confronting modern man in the community and certain assumptions that influence the method (Ross, 1955). While we have covered the first component in the previous section, and we will cover the second component in another unit, let us look at the assumptions that influence the method of community organization, which derive in part from the value orientation of, and in part from experiences in social work. Some of these are as follows:
1. Communities of people can develop capacity to deal with their own problems. This implies that the community people may confront situations in which they feel disenchanted and hopeless, but they can nevertheless develop attitudes and skills which permit them to work towards shaping their community appropriately to meet their needs.
2. People want change and can change. This implies that communities of people constantly change their ways of life and are interested in making their lives better. The will to change is often paralysed by challenging social forces, but if blocks to free thinking and feeling are removed, all people will participate in changes which aim to meet their needs more adequately.
3. People should participate in making, adjusting, or controlling the major changes taking place in their communities. This assumption implies that people should have the opportunity to organize to achieve their own common goals, plan the adjustments which must be made in response to certain changes which are beyond their control, and to regulate their own communities as far as possible.
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4. Changes in community living which are self-imposed or self-developed have a meaning and permanence that imposed changes do not have In the community, people as they strive towards achievement of their goals, modify and develop capacities consistent with these goals. In the process the culture as a whole adjusts to the changes that are taking place. Changes such as these are self imposed and determined last longer than those that are externally imposed, because in the latter situation, the community does not feel any sense of participation or conscious planning for adjustment to such changes.
5. A “holistic approach” can deal successfully with problems with which a “fragmented approach”
cannot cope. This implies that social problems can be dealt with by adopting more coordinated approaches rather than piecemeal initiatives by the separate social agencies working apart from each other. Most of the problems have multiple causation and a single specialized approach to the problem will have limited value.
6. Democracy requires cooperative participation and action in the affairs. Of the community, and that people must learn the skills which make this possible. There must be active participation in the development and use of an effective communication process, which facilitates the identification of common objectives and implementation of collective action. People may require practice and the help of experts to establish and maintain democratic community institutions.
7. Frequently, communities of people need help in organizing to deal with their needs. This help may be of diverse types, ranging from advice, to
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resources/inputs, or programme designing etc.
While people may possess their own resources and capacities, they may often require professional help in mobilizing them effectively.
The aforementioned assumptions condition the nature of community organization, the methods used by the community organizer in the field and the principles applicable in the process.
Conclusion
The aim of this chapter was to provide you guidelines to understand the basic concept of community organization as a method of social work practice. We have discussed in detail the meaning of community organization and also provided the different definitions in a chronological order, along with their explanations. You have also been oriented to the more contemporary definitions and understanding of community organization and community practice. An analysis of the definitions has also been undertaken to reveal the core components of community organization.
Having explained the meaning and definition of social work, this unit also highlighted the role and importance of community organization as a method of social work practice. Additionally, we have discussed the value orientation, purposes and assumptions underlying the method of community organization. Having done this, you are now in a position to recognize and appreciate the importance of the values and assumptions and will be able to integrate them while practicing community organization in the field.
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