The Complexity of Community Engagement

Developing Staff–Community Relationships in a Participatory Child Education and Women's Rights Intervention in Kolkata Slums

Bibliographic Data

ID12396263
AuthorsCaoimhe Nic a’ Bháird (University College London, corresponding author), Caoimhe Nic a Bháird (Health Research, University College London London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom)
Year2012
Volume23
Issue5
Pages389-404
Publication date2012-10-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Community & Applied Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1052-9284 • E-ISSN: 1099-1298
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/casp.2133
OpenAlexW2148174119
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited27

Dissatisfaction with inflexible top‐down development interventions has led to a demand for more community‐led approaches and the proliferation of terms such as participation , empowerment , and community ownership . However, the practical implications of these terms remain unclear. This study examined how sociocultural factors influenced relationship building between NGO staff and community members, and how this mediated community participation in a child education and women's rights intervention in Kolkata. Twenty interviews and one focus group were conducted with NGO staff, pupils, and members of a women's group. A thematic analysis produced five global themes: Sociocultural Context, Staff–Community Divide, Power Dynamics, Building Relationships, and Unstable Progress. Differences in social status, lifestyle, and priorities marked clear divisions between staff and community members, leading to communication difficulties and resistance ranging from suspicious stares to open hostility. Establishing mutual respect was a slow and unpredictable process often fuelled by unanticipated events such as staff helping with medical emergencies. A campaign against domestic violence prompted some women to physically attack men and vandalise property, provoking violent retaliation and creating divides within the community. Overcoming these challenges required a responsive approach which often deviated from operational and funding plans. The more participatory and community‐led an intervention, the less predictable it becomes. The flexibility needed to gain community acceptance and manage unanticipated events relies on trusting relationships between both communities and staff, and staff and donors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Citizen journalism · Context (archaeology · Empowerment · Focus group · Geography · Intervention (counseling · Political science · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociocultural evolution · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Children's Rights and Participation · Community Health and Development · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology

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