Community capacity building or state opportunism?

Communitarianism is again a vogue idea in policy discourse, but the goals pursued through associated programmes are often confused. Extravagant claims about strengthening communities, rebuilding social capital and addressing human needs in innovative ways proliferate. The state of Victoria boasts that such priorities are now at the heart of its approach to government. As evidence, it promotes one of its community building schemes as helping small communities take charge of their destinies, but a critical analysis reveals nothing of the kind. Although the programme supports the continued provision of low-key local services, it is just as much a frugal means to legitimate the state's continuing commitment to economic fundamentalism.