Consultation On The Proposed Community Empowerment - Scottish ...

Theme 12: Definitions for Part 1
This theme covers question 20 in the main consultation questionnaire and question 1
in the easy read version:
Please use this space to give us your thoughts on any definitions that may be
used for the ideas in Part 1. Please also give us examples of any definitions
that you feel have worked well in practice
What does the word 'community' mean to you?
3.170 Only one third of respondents responded to the full consultation’s question on
definitions. Responses focused mainly on what is meant by ‘community’, and a
number of respondents directly addressed the difficulty of defining the concept.
“Oxfam is pleased that the government recognises the
complexity contained in the term ‘community’.
Community is messy, conflicting, porous, and almost
indefinable. They are also the location in which social
change is best delivered.”
(Oxfam Scotland)
3.171 Most agreed that a geographical definition is the most practical approach for the
Scottish Government’s purposes, but communities of interest and of identity
were also discussed. This point was also covered by the easy read version of
the consultation, in which respondents were asked to define ‘community’ and
discuss the characteristics of their own. Again, a shared geographical location
was seen as crucial by the majority, but notions of social cohesion and shared
goals and responsibilities were also very important. The majority defined their
community as the area in which they live, but went on to discuss the interactions
between people within that area.
“Our overview is that it is the area we live in and work in, and
which we identify with. Community also means “inclusion”
with everyone working together, helping each other.”
(Westhill and Elrick Community Council)
3.172 Some suggested established academic definitions, such as Robert Putnam’s
discussion of generalised reciprocity and John Hosier’s assertion that
community is different to friendship.
3.173 A number of respondents emphasised that any definition of community
organisations should ensure that they are representative, accountable and
transparent.
3.174 The definition of “local” was also addressed by some respondents.
“Local often used in a misleading way. E.g. ‘local
government’, ‘local plan’ are not necessarily local. Local
should apply to the smaller unit, as in community councils.”
(Hillhead Community Council)
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