New social structures, agencies, and social movements have had a dramatic impact on community development across the world. In this book, more than forty authors in six countries representing the major regions of the world offer a truly global perspective on the changing nature of the practice and theory of community development.The collection approaches community development from many different angles, featuring a critical review of the international literature, twenty detailed case studies dealing with key issues, and separate country-by-country studies of education, research, and theory. Despite obvious differences between countries in their economic, political, and socio-cultural contexts of practice, common themes emerge. The book concludes with a new framework theory for use in policy development, program planning, and alternative practice.Comprehensive and challenging Community Development Around the World is essential reading for students, analysts, and practitioners in the field.