To understand the difference between development and organization, one first needs to define a community, which is not an easy task. Researchers from the mid-50s to the end of the 20th century, refined the definition, adding new dimensions. However, most focus is on two aspects: territorial community and relationships between people (Pradeep & Karibeeran, 2017). Various theories have also arisen in which such researchers as Tonnies, Cooley, and Durkheim have explained the nature and purpose of the community (Pradeep & Karibeeran, 2017). Thus, community development is the process of increasing the quality of living of a particular community based on their needs. The community organization involves a set of measures aimed at maintaining the effectiveness of this process from social services. Both concepts are interconnected since development is the goal, and organization is the means.
The historical context of CD and CO influences the direction and goals of social work practice. Many researchers have made it possible to determine that social work should focus on the interrelationship of community members and the maintenance of their network. It is also necessary to determine why they are needed and adequately respond to them through the provision of services. Cohen and Smith identified the relationship between community members as a key driver of development (as cited in Pradeep & Karibeeran, 2017). Thus, the CD contains members of the community itself and their network but lacks a leader who could effectively use the community’s resources to improve living standards. Smith also noted that the community’s life is influenced by official policies and documents (as cited in Pradeep & Karibeeran, 2017). However, movements organized by community members can change the position of oppressed groups within it. Thus, in CO, there are organizers who unite people with a common idea and coordinate their actions.
For effective social work practice, it is necessary to combine CD and CO. The CD aims at supporting the needs and relationships of community members but does not directly include the means. On the contrary, CO implies a set of measures aimed at improving the living standards of the community, considering necessary aspects. From a historical point of view, various researchers have detailed social work goals in relation to the community. Thus, CD and CO are integral parts of effective social work practice.
Reference
Pradeep, M., & Karibeeran, S. (2017). The “community” in “community social work”. Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 22(9), 58-64.