The Paradox between Community and Self-Interest: Local Government, Neighborhoods, and Media

Abstract

Devaluation of community in favor of self-interest raises important questions about societal well-being. This research indicates that government agencies that concentrate their efforts on increasing the well-being of community have the potential for reversing citizen retreat into self-interest and at the same time closing the distance between citizens and government. This research also indicates that neighborhoods are a viable but not an exclusive avenue for connecting citizens to community. As a result, over-arching community goals and policy must provide the framework to guide neighborhood development policy. Although disenchantment with the media poses many challenges, the media must be involved in the illumination of community values and priorities.