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It's the People, Stupid

By Joe Renna

"It's the Economy, Stupid" was the Clinton-Gore campaign slogan in 1992.
The concept was that a strong economy would cure society's problems. This economical approach to problem solving is prevalent in community development circles but should not be. Economy is about money; community is about people.

The idea that economic development enhances a community is only partially correct. The Economy is subordinate to more crucial aspects of community. To borrow a phrase from psychologist Abraham Maslow, each community has a "hierarchy of needs". He identified five categories. They are: Physiological needs - Basic needs for the body, such as food, shelter, drink, rest, etc..; Safety needs - protection from danger, security and order so that we feel safe. These needs are for physical safety but also covers psychological safety needs such as job security etc.; Social needs - acceptance, giving and receiving affection and "belonging".; Ego needs - achievement, self esteem, self confidence, respect and status; Self Actualization needs - finally at the top of the hierarchy once all of the other levels have been reasonably satisfied is the need to become the person that we feel that we are capable of becoming. This means that we have achieved what we consider to be our very best.

Each higher level (Self-Actualization being the highest) requires the satisfaction of the previous level. The distinction made between bodily needs (level 1) and economy is subtle but at the same time very significant. It is in here that the pitfalls of the community development movement lie.
The first four levels are considered deficiency needs and the last is a growth need. The community can not grow unless the first set of needs are satisfied. Communities, first and foremost, need to overcome the deficiencies that exist before they can be fully functioning. A community operating at this level enjoys the highest degree of freedom. If at some future time a deficiency is detected, the community can act to remove it. It is remarkable how little is needed to satisfy the needs of the community. The fact that impoverishment exists at all is astounding.
Too often the decisions in community development activity is not born from that community. It is a disservice to the community in need because the level at which the community development organization may work is beyond the needs of the community. For example organizations addressing economic issues fail to address survival or security issues.
Community is all about people and all about needs. The assumption that the community itself cannot determine its own needs is arrogant. The constituents of the community should be the ones who define who they are and should be the ones who determine the nature of their self-actualization. Community development should begin with empowerment and freedom. It's the people that matter.

Peterstown is such a blessed community when it comes to satisfying the needs of the people. The culture is such that the community acts as a whole. The hardships of one is absorbed by all until they dissolved. So many people from Peterstown can actually say that they have achieved their very best. A key to that self-actualization is the value system used in measuring success. Humanistic ideals prevail over economic wealth, material goals and superficial achievements.

By no means does this mean that the community is without need. Society is constantly changing which is cause for instability. With out a strong community around, it is very easy for those living on delicate means to fall into despair.

Peterstown has always been a strong self supporting autonomous community. It's the character of the people that makes it this way. Pressure from outside was always met with prudish skepticism.

Not all communities have the wherewithal to ward off exploitative development. It is the responsibility of those communities that can afford to help, to fill the needs of those without means. The plight of any one person should not go ignored.