Community Economic Development (CED) Model vs. Social Action Model

Attribute	Community Economic Development (CED) Model	Social Action Model
Focus	Focuses on economic development and empowerment of communities through business and job creation	Focuses on social justice issues and advocacy for systemic change
Approach	Utilizes market-based strategies and partnerships with businesses	Utilizes grassroots organizing and activism
Goal	To improve economic conditions and quality of life in communities	To address social inequalities and promote social change
Methods	Includes business development, job training, and financial literacy programs	Includes protests, lobbying, and community organizing

Introduction

Community Economic Development (CED) Model and Social Action Model are two approaches that aim to address social and economic issues within communities. While both models have the common goal of improving the well-being of individuals and communities, they differ in their strategies and focus. In this article, we will compare the attributes of the CED Model and the Social Action Model to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Community Economic Development (CED) Model

The Community Economic Development (CED) Model is an approach that focuses on building the economic capacity of communities through local initiatives and partnerships. This model emphasizes the importance of community ownership and control over economic development projects. CED projects often involve the creation of social enterprises, cooperatives, and community-owned businesses that aim to generate income and create sustainable employment opportunities for community members.

One of the key attributes of the CED Model is its emphasis on asset-based development, which involves identifying and leveraging the existing resources and strengths within a community. This approach helps to build on the unique assets and capabilities of a community, rather than focusing solely on its deficits. By empowering community members to take control of their economic future, the CED Model promotes self-reliance and resilience.

Another important aspect of the CED Model is its focus on building social capital and fostering collaboration among community members. By encouraging partnerships and collective action, CED projects can create a sense of solidarity and mutual support within a community. This can lead to increased social cohesion and a stronger sense of community identity.

Overall, the CED Model is a bottom-up approach that prioritizes community participation, empowerment, and sustainability. By engaging community members in the decision-making process and building on their strengths, CED projects can create lasting positive change within communities.

Social Action Model

The Social Action Model, on the other hand, is an approach that focuses on addressing social injustices and inequalities through advocacy, activism, and community organizing. This model aims to challenge systemic barriers and promote social change by mobilizing individuals and groups to take collective action. Social Action projects often involve campaigns, protests, and lobbying efforts to raise awareness and influence policy decisions.

One of the key attributes of the Social Action Model is its emphasis on social justice and human rights. This model recognizes the importance of addressing root causes of social problems and advocating for equitable and inclusive policies. By empowering marginalized communities to speak out and demand change, the Social Action Model can help to create a more just and equitable society.

Another important aspect of the Social Action Model is its focus on building solidarity and fostering a sense of collective identity among activists and advocates. By bringing together individuals with shared values and goals, Social Action projects can create a powerful force for social change. This sense of solidarity can help to sustain momentum and build resilience in the face of challenges.

Overall, the Social Action Model is a top-down approach that prioritizes advocacy, activism, and social change. By mobilizing individuals and groups to challenge injustices and advocate for systemic change, Social Action projects can create transformative impact at the societal level.

Comparing Attributes

• Focus: The CED Model focuses on economic development and building community capacity, while the Social Action Model focuses on social justice and advocacy.
• Approach: The CED Model is a bottom-up approach that emphasizes community participation and empowerment, while the Social Action Model is a top-down approach that prioritizes advocacy and activism.
• Goals: The CED Model aims to create sustainable economic opportunities and empower communities, while the Social Action Model aims to challenge systemic injustices and promote social change.
• Strategies: The CED Model uses asset-based development and community partnerships to achieve its goals, while the Social Action Model uses advocacy, activism, and community organizing.
• Impact: The CED Model can create lasting economic benefits and build social capital within communities, while the Social Action Model can create transformative change at the societal level and promote social justice.

Conclusion

Both the Community Economic Development (CED) Model and the Social Action Model have unique attributes and strengths that make them valuable approaches to addressing social and economic issues within communities. While the CED Model focuses on building economic capacity and empowering communities from within, the Social Action Model focuses on challenging systemic injustices and advocating for social change from the outside. By understanding the differences and similarities between these two models, practitioners and policymakers can choose the most appropriate approach to achieve their desired outcomes.