Grobler, Maria E.2014-02-072014-02-0719941100http://hdl.handle.net/11070/261Includes bibliographical referencesAn introduction to the purpose of the study which is to ascertain which social factors play a role in community development. Particular attention is given to the social and cultural environment of developing people in a third world urban context. Two sub-problems are investigated, namely the demands that development places on people and the life-skills neeeded to adapt to urbanizationIn order to broaden the field of exploration, assumptions were made which had to be tested. The social factors influencing community development of the inhabitants of Windhoek had to be empirically investigatedAn exploratory and descriptive research design was used. The data gathering methods included a schedule for personal interviews; group interviews; groupwork sessions; participatory observation and an ethnomethodological questionnaireThe preliminary limitation of the study is that it is limited to an urban context and does not include the rural areas of NamibiaSection B has five chapters which expands the theory and is the literature study on community development. Attention is given to the contribution that eight different disciplines have made to community development. Aspects influencing community development and of which the community developer must be cognizant are also highlighted. The process of community development is explained, using a variety of theoretical approaches and practical steps necessary for the implementation of a community development projectThe last chapter in the theoretical and literature study contains an evaluation of the literatureSection C describes the empirical research as well as the findings, conclusions and recommendations. The description of the empirical research is done in such a way that follow-up research is possible. Tables and figures are used to clarify the resultsThe initial assumptions are confirmed by the findings of the study and indicates that social factors do influence the success of community development projectsOn the basis of the study recommendations are made in terms of the training of social workers and community developers. The recommendations also include matters concerning social policy and planningKey terms supplied by author:community developmentunderdevelopmentdevelopingThird Worldsustainable developmentricher North - poorer Southsocial developmentempoweringhuman factorsrural - urban developmentgrassroots developmentbasic needsxiv, 277 ptables, questionnaires, graphsafrCommunity developmentUrban areasDevelopmentThesis