False consciousness

Definition: According to Ledwith (p.xiii), “false consciousness refers to the unquestioning view of the world in which subordinate groups accept their reality in passive and fatalistic ways, leaving the power and privilege of dominant groups unchallenged”.

Apply: I do not believe development work can really even take place if community members are experiencing false consciousness because they are accepting their realities and would have no desire to challenge the system or privileges people have. In order to do effective community development, you need the movement of the community and a collective desire to make a difference and a change. If community members are passive, they would not view anything as a problem or at least a problem that could be solved. If this does occur with certain individuals within a community, you could hold discussions that aim to raise consciousness and understanding of the inequalities that they are experiencing, specifically led by other community members.

Adapt: False consciousness could be experienced by the ways in which people vote in our society. For example, a person could vote in a way that actually benefits those who are privilege rather than themselves or they could not vote at all. There are many people in society who refuse to vote because they believe things will never change. Not voting at all actually ensures that those in power and who have privilege will continue to maintain it.

Source: Ledwith, M., & Campling, J. (2005). Community development: A critical approach. Bristol, UK: Policy Press.