Marcel Rafie
pp. 153–159
Record
Abstract
The author harks back to a subject featured in an earlier issue: the knowledge crisis (Revue internationale d’action communautaire, 15/55, Spring 1986). Returning to some of its most recurrent themes, he attempts to show that in spite of the explosion in forms of knowledge, in spite of extensive exploration in many directions these themes have certain basic features that create a coherent and... slightly familiar form.The simultaneous occurrence of indeterminism and the return of the subject seems quite an ordinary event in a history of social sciences which since the end of the 19th century has been belabored by the incessant classic debate between Positivists and Humanists. And in fact, many of the approaches outlined in this area (comprehension, intersubjectivity, the search for experienced meaning) relate to themes generated more than a century ago by the German historical school. It is therefore regrettable that we did not look to the roots of comprehensive hermeneutics: In ignoring history (of the sciences) we risk faltering in the expression of its concepts. In other respects an incontestably new dimension appears on the landscape of social sciences. Natural science have lost their prestige, no longer obligatory as a model or seen as a reference point. The time is especially right for an open exchange since similar problems are cropping up on various points. Doesn't the very effervescent, uncertain, unpredictable quality of socialness demand a descriptive, narrative approach? And isn't it the uncertain and irreversible that some of the new natural science models such as the thermodynamics of non-equable systems are attempting to deal with? These, among others, are some of the directions and extensions that a "Knowledge Crisis II" could explore, and the author makes a strong appeal for work in this vein.
Gary Craig
pp. 161–172
Record
Abstract
This article reviews the main influences marking the development of both the theory
and practice of community work in the United Kingdom. The author analyzes the political
context in which community animators have worked and, particularly, the relationship between
these workers and the State.
In order for community work to lead to progressive social change, community
animators must have a clear understanding of the nature of the State, how social conflicts
have been handled through the State and the channels opened by their own support of and
participation in progressive action. It Great Britain community work is in itself a major
issue given recent changes in relations between the central government and local governments
and the conflicts which have ensued.