Accelerated social change: Impacts on community development
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2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Communities often experience changes which are reflected in shifting physical environments, economic activities and/or population shifts. Rural, natural amenity-rich communities are globally experiencing rapid population growth fuelled by the presence of tourists, seasonal residents, and retirees. The presence of a rapidly growing population affects local living conditions, such as the sociodemographic and sociocultural composition of the communities. The presence of newcomers, who often display different attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors than local permanent residents, changes community processes. This chapter discusses how accelerated social change impacts on structural and interactional community development efforts. It also provides insights on how accelerated social change can purposefully be turned into development. The different knowledge, skills, and practices displayed by permanent and seasonal residents can be harnessed through community development efforts aimed at improving local quality of life.
