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Ruben De Pena
Professor Mike Walker
Community Theory and Development SOC 679
March 8, 2014

Article Review: Using Theory to Frame Community and Practice by Mary Domahidy

In this very well written article, Mary Domahidy emphasizes the importance of
understanding community theory, making a particular distinction between community
building and community development. Her thesis revolves around the necessity for
community development professionals to have a full understanding of the various
theoretical approaches toward practical community outreach and engagement and how
to utilize that knowledge for effective results. What is her basis? Simply put, Theory is
powerful because it organizes what professionals pay attention to and how they pay
attention. It shapes beliefs that in turn shape action (Domahidy 76). In other words,
clearly defining the theory will help the professional create the adequate image toward
goals and processes in establishing the adequate framework toward outcomes in the
community.
By analyzing theorists in the caliber of Tnnies, Warren, Bella, and others,
Domahidy recognizes the multiple aspects of community and how community
professionals need to adapt their practices toward effectiveness. Domahidy pays
particular attention to the theories of natural and rational approaches to community
collaboration, the Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft that Tnnies proposed more than a
century ago and that Lyon masterfully presents in his work (6). Domahidy also

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theorizes that both concepts need to be analyzed and understood particularly for
effective university-community partnerships (78).
Another relevant aspect of this article is the authors emphasis for practitioners to
work collaboratively with other peers in the community, without any preconceived
notions of what works best for the targeted community. This type of collaboration can be
usually seen in university-community partnerships. An important aspect she contends is
to make sense of the whole situation and learning from each other toward the common
goal of bringing about change in the community.
Domahidy also contends that a true understanding of community theory and practice
would necessitate a complete paradigm shift or reframing on the part of the
practitioners. That means that they will need to learn to constrain any potential
frustration that might occur because of having to set aside their expert knowledge, and
observe and learn the new community collaborative setting. In other words, The
starting point for the professional, then, necessarily shifts from expert knowing toward
situated learning, from framing the community as object to seeing community an
ongoing process (81).
Furthermore, Domahidy concludes by depicting the ideal scenario to converge
community theory and practice. While she presents several compelling examples that
primarily focus on university-community partnerships, she also argues that this
approach is applicable to any agency or group working toward community and theory
convergence. She warns, however, that many practitioners with similar interests talk to
each other while excluding others that might significantly contribute to solutions in the
community.

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For that reason, she sustains that controversial matters while uncomfortable, are
many times necessary in the process of finding solutions. Her rationale is that these
topics seem to attract a diverse audience that might be able to present invaluable ideas
involving either community building or community development. Because of heightened
emphasis of teamwork and collaboration, practitioners need to learn to listen to even
dissenting voices. That would require leaders engaging in these community discussions
to have good communication and conflict resolution skills.
Therefore, I conclude by saying that this article has great implications for community
practitioners in general. I contend the author did a phenomenal job in highlighting the
right way and the wrong way of establishing partnerships toward the resolution of
pressing community issues. In my own career as a community outreach professional for
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools this article will be a constant reminder of how to
utilize very wisely theoretical analysis and practice in the process of engaging parents
and partners in our district. Another positive aspect of the article is that it will be a
constant reminder about the importance of listening and learning from others
perspectives toward the common goal of student success. In other words, it will help me
be mindful of reframing my own thinking as a community expert.
This article has also great implications for students of sociology, education,
communication, and other disciplines that require constant people interaction. These
students have the opportunity of researching and even developing new theories in this
fascinating topic. As we continue to become a more diverse society, new theories
involving community building/development from a global perspective will be necessary
as the 21st century continues to unfold.

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Works Cited
Domadidy, Mary. Using Theory to Frame Community and Practice. Journal of the
Community Development Society 34:1 (2003): 75-84. Print.
Lyon, Larry, and Robyn Driskell. The Community in Urban Society. 5th ed.
Long Grove: Waveland Press, Inc., 2012. Print.

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