Accelerated social change: Impacts on community development

Communities often experience changes which are reflected in shifting physicalenvironments, economic activities and/or population shifts. Rural, natural amenity-richcommunities are globally experiencing rapid population growth fuelled by the presenceof tourists, seasonal residents, and retirees. The presence of a rapidly growing populationaffects local living conditions, such as the sociodemographic and socioculturalcomposition of the communities. The presence of newcomers, who often display differentattitudes, perspectives, and behaviors than local permanent residents, changes communityprocesses. This chapter discusses how accelerated social change impacts on structural andinteractional community development efforts. It also provides insights on howaccelerated social change can purposefully be turned into development. The differentknowledge, skills, and practices displayed by permanent and seasonal residents can beharnessed through community development efforts aimed at improving local quality oflife. 2012 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Accelerated social change: Impacts on community development Chapter