The Collapse and Rise of Community and its Governing Politics

Dick Atkinson in his book 'The Common Sense of Community' states that the gradual collapse of the sense of community is the result of 'technological change', "new market forces" and " policies of successive governments". The concern can felt throughout civilisations from lesser economically developed countries (LEDC's) to more economically developed countries (MEDC's).  Such concern has been at the forefront of many political policies and manefestoes and has trickled down via the media to the public to whom it should concern most.

Atkinson unlike MacIntyre's supposed "Atlantic theoretical... narrow liberal[ist]" view believes that the problems that communities face are far more complex than they are initially percieved. He states there are two strands of thought; "the one about everyday life," (Alistair MacIntyre) "and the other about political theory"(William Galston). Both these strands must be present he states but they must be coherent in order for successful communities to form. 

Atkinson states within the political sector that, the clash between "left and right" politics and the popularly debated subject of privitisation and council self governance inhibit the progression of policies designed to work through the emphasised individual. Atkinsons views are not always so pesimistic.  His views of our future as communities through the discovery of "vibrant life of mutual help and civic activity" imply positive change. Although he still believes the "fear that the collary of weak communities is that our belief in common values and our sense of responsibility for each other has atrophied." he believes "local initiatives are beginning to put in place institutions appropriate for a post-industrial city".