The Routledge Handbook of Community Development Research - Research

Our review of The Routledge Handbook of Community Development Research finds it essential reading for researchers and post-graduate students seeking a fresh, problem-focused research agenda in community development. The handbook's single biggest strength is its deliberate shift from traditional sociological frames to a Wicked Problems approach, which encourages interdisciplinary methods and offers concrete examples from diverse settings. For those needing inspiration, methodological variety and international case material, this volume delivers a clear rationale and practical starting points for new research projects.

Key Features

• Interdisciplinary framing: The book reframes community development through a Wicked Problems lens, helping researchers consider complex, cross-sectoral issues rather than single-discipline solutions.
• Diverse case studies: Contributors present examples from places such as West Papua, Peru, the USA and Australia, offering comparative insight for fieldwork planning and theory development.
• Methodological variety: Chapters use methods from interviews and case studies to music and storytelling, showing how qualitative and creative methods can produce robust findings.
• Practical research prompts: Editors and authors provide concrete suggestions and encouragement for future research directions, useful for post-graduate projects and grant proposals.
• Global authorship: With 37 international contributors, the handbook brings multiple perspectives that broaden understanding of community development practice and policy.

Who It's For

This handbook is aimed primarily at academic researchers, doctoral students and advanced post-graduate learners working in community development, urban planning, public affairs and related social sciences who want to explore new research agendas and non-traditional methodologies. It serves as a reference for supervisors seeking contemporary case examples and for interdisciplinary teams developing project proposals.

Practitioners looking for step-by-step implementation manuals or short practitioner toolkits should look elsewhere; this book is conceptual and research-oriented rather than a how-to guide for frontline program delivery.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Encourages innovative research by applying a Wicked Problems framework to community development.
• Presents geographically varied case studies that expand comparative and cross-cultural understanding.
• Demonstrates a wide range of methodologies, including creative and narrative approaches useful for qualitative researchers.

Cons

• As a research handbook, it is conceptual and may not meet needs for practical implementation guidance.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Routledge handbook is a strong investment for researchers and advanced students who need a conceptual retooling and examples of innovative methods. Its interdisciplinary, Wicked Problems approach makes it valuable for developing research proposals and comparative studies, offering substantial intellectual value even though it is not a practitioner manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
The handbook is best suited to post-graduate students and experienced researchers rather than complete beginners.

Does it include international examples?
Yes; chapters include case studies from locations such as West Papua, Peru, the USA and Australia.

Are practical toolkits provided?
No; the focus is on research framing and methodology rather than step-by-step implementation guidance.