Towards a conceptual understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and community functioning

Taylor, Judy;Edwards, Jane;Champion, Sonia;Cheers, Simon;Chong, Alwin;Cummins, Rachel;Cheers, Brian

Abstract

This paper reports on research to build concepts about Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and community functioning that might be useful in community development. Three groups of inter-related concepts are presented in this paper; achieving social cohesion, managing community affairs, and imaging a community future. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of community and community functioning differ from Western understandings and there is an imperative to use this knowledge if we are to properly address the serious challenges facing the development of communities. The concepts outlined in this paper are a first step in the development of more refined indicators of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community wellbeing.

Journal

Community Development Journal

Publication Name

N/A

Volume

ISBN/ISSN

1468-2656

Edition

N/A

Issue

Pages Count

Location

N/A

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Publisher Url

N/A

Publisher Location

N/A

Publish Date

N/A

Url

N/A

Date

N/A

EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.1093/cdj/bsq068