Community and Art

Abstract

Community may hold different meanings to different people and situations, which may or may not be bound by physical space. Community is not well defined and is especially difficult to define in literacy research. It was hypothesized the definition of community would include similarities on a broader scale, although there may be differences that reflect diverse cultural traits on a smaller scale. This study was a parallel mixed methods research study that utilized a systematic literature review and a convenient survey design aimed to understand how community-based providers define the term “community” within their work. Connection, support, commonality, were among the highest mentioned when asked in the survey, “what does community mean to you?” Listening, dialogue, and communication were important key elements when asked, “what makes community thrive?” The survey results indicated sense of belonging and bonding of like minds were the most important aspects of community, as well as, connection, support, and common values, ideals and traits were important factors in defining community. A guideline for clinicians was provided as they define community in their work across the world, cultures, and ethnicities.