Community development, higher education institutions and the Big Society: opportunities or opportunism?

Jordan, L., Henry, K., McKerracher, G. and McNair, S. (2013) Community development, higher education institutions and the Big Society: opportunities or opportunism? Forum for Access and Continuing Education,

Abstract

In his Prison Notebooks, written between 1929-35, Gramsci claimed that 'all men are intellectuals: but not all men have in society the function of intellectuals.' He used this term 'organic intellectuals' to illustrate that those working at grassroots level who have significant knowledge(s) about the way communities of all types work, are as important to the development of society as academic intellectuals. This article explores the current idea of a 'Big Society' as a hegemonic idea. This exploration is undertaken in relation to the current economic, social and political situation and with reference to the practice of community development, lifelong learning and the role of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in supporting this field of activity. In this article we use the term 'community development' as Tett defines in Morgan-Klein and Osborne (2007:104). She claims it means to 'increase the capacity of particular communities through targeted resources for particular areas'. We specifically explore the following areas: <p> • challenging the hegemonic ideas and policies • practising within the restrictions of cuts and limited resources • setting up supportive networks which will sustain workers • making meaningful international links abroad and using international examples of good practice • turning the ideology of the Big Society into an opportunity</p> We will pose the critical questions that we think need to be addressed and which we hope will help us to find direction and an understanding of the way forward at a deeper level. We hope to create both useful and innovative knowledge which will be a valid contribution to the field of community development.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Edition title: 'Which way now to widen participation?': Lifelong Learning, Economy and Society
• Keywords: Big Society, Community development, Higher Education
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jordan, Ms Lynette and Henry, Ms Kirstin
• Authors: Jordan, L., Henry, K., McKerracher, G., and McNair, S.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Social Justice Place and Lifelong Education
• Research Group: Social Justice, Place and Lifelong Learning
• Journal Name: Forum for Access and Continuing Education
• Journal Abbr.: FACE
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with permission of the authors.