The 21st century community: an interpretative framework from a social work perspective

Abstract

The article addresses the concept of community in order to clarify and define what is meant when this concept is used across various fields as a theoretical reference point or object of intervention. It begins by setting out the main ideas underpinning the modern concept of community. A total of twenty-two definitions are provided, identifying the elements of consensus that are present among the different approaches for the purpose of proposing an operating definition that can serve as a basis for social research and intervention. Finally, there is a consideration of the potential implications of working with this concept of community, at a time when the literature highlights individualist trends in contemporary society.