For many scholars, the study of community and community development is at a crossroads.  Previously dynamic theories appear not to have kept pace with the major social changes of our day. Given our constantly shifting social reality we need new ideas and research that pushes the boundaries of our extant community theories. Theory, Practice, and Community Development stretches the traditional boundaries and applications of well-established community development theory, and establishes new theoretical approaches rooted in new disciplines and new perspectives on community development.

Expanded from a special issue of the journal Community Development, Theory, Practice, and Community Development collects previously published and widely cited essays, as well as new theoretical and empirical research in community development. Compiled by the editors of Community Development, the essays feature topics as varied as placemaking, democratic theory and rural organizing. Theory, Practice, and Community Development is vital for scholars and practitioners coming to grips with the rapidly changing definition of community.

Overview and Introduction Mark A. Brennan, Jeffrey C. Bridger, Theodore R. Alter, Paloma Z.C. Frumento The Post-Place Community: Contributions to the Debate about the Definition of Community Ted K. Bradshaw Settling at the Margins: Exurbia and Community Sociology Jeff S. Sharp and Jill K. Clark Dimensions of Community Generalizing Structure Peter F. Korsching and Cheryl Davidson An Interactional Approach to Place-Based Development Jeffrey C. Bridger and Theodore R. Alter The Power of Community Mark A. Brennan and Glenn D. Israel The Tamaqua Paradox: How History Shapes Social Capital and Local Economic Development Efforts Jeffrey C. Bridger, Paloma Z.C. Frumento, and Theodore R. Alter Power, Populism, and the Defence of Rural Community Interests Tony Varley and Chris Curtin Is There a Place for Democratic Theory in Community Development? David Mathews The Basics: What's Essential About Theory for Community Development Practice? Ronald J. Hustedde and Jacek Ganowicz Conclusion and Future Directions Jeffrey C. Bridger, Paloma Z.C. Frumento, Theodore R. Alter, Mark A. Brennan