Community Learning And Development: The London Riots
Community Learning and Development is a field that aims to “help communities and individuals tackle real issues in their lives through community based action and community based learning” (Scottish Executive, 2004:4). As CLD workers, it is imperative that we understand the issues that have faced people in the past, the issues that affect people in society today, and are aware of any potential issues in the future for individuals and groups. In order to underpin some of the knowledge required to support communities, it is crucial to have a wide range of theoretical knowledge to support the practical element of the profession. Throughout this essay, I am going to be discussing and critically analysing the socio-political perspectives of Community
…show more content…
One particular issue that I would like to focus on is the London Riots. There are several different theories as to the causes of the London Riots. There is no evidence to define the reasons for the London Riots in 2011 taking place. However, The main cause is thought to be Social and economic inequality. According to Mary Riddell, “Britain is less equal, in wages, wealth, and life chances, that at any time since the last major financial upheaval, the great crash of 1929.” (Riddel, 2011). The riots were thought to be a protest to make a statement to the government. Freire (2005) suggests that actions like this are the act of Semi-transitive consciousness – meaning the bigger picture isn’t taken into account. Alongside this, one of the other main reasons is the lack of employment opportunities within the boroughs of London, and the rest of the UK. “blame unemployment and the cuts. It is true that Tottenham is among London’s poorest boroughs, with 10,000 people claiming jobseeker’s allowance and 54 applicants chasing every registered job vacancy. In other affected boroughs, such as Hackney, youth clubs are closing.” (GlobalSociology, n.d). This is a shining example of CLD’s role within society, to work with individuals who are not getting the support to find a job and to empower them to do something positive. If a CLD worker was to work with them, and to help them realise that breaking into shops isn’t going to get them anywhere, and to help them to improve their chances to get employment or
One particular issue that I would like to focus on is the London Riots. There are several different theories as to the causes of the London Riots. There is no evidence to define the reasons for the London Riots in 2011 taking place. However, The main cause is thought to be Social and economic inequality. According to Mary Riddell, “Britain is less equal, in wages, wealth, and life chances, that at any time since the last major financial upheaval, the great crash of 1929.” (Riddel, 2011). The riots were thought to be a protest to make a statement to the government. Freire (2005) suggests that actions like this are the act of Semi-transitive consciousness – meaning the bigger picture isn’t taken into account. Alongside this, one of the other main reasons is the lack of employment opportunities within the boroughs of London, and the rest of the UK. “blame unemployment and the cuts. It is true that Tottenham is among London’s poorest boroughs, with 10,000 people claiming jobseeker’s allowance and 54 applicants chasing every registered job vacancy. In other affected boroughs, such as Hackney, youth clubs are closing.” (GlobalSociology, n.d). This is a shining example of CLD’s role within society, to work with individuals who are not getting the support to find a job and to empower them to do something positive. If a CLD worker was to work with them, and to help them realise that breaking into shops isn’t going to get them anywhere, and to help them to improve their chances to get employment or