Community is an elusive, imprecise, contradictory and sometimes controversial term. Not only can the term be applied to a geographical area, it is also reflected in people's thinking and feeling as to where they believe a community exists. Despite these contested understandings notions of community are central to ways in which modern public sector services are planned, organised and delivered. This introductory, original text will assist students, practitioners and policy makers establish a clear and informed understanding of the role community has played in the evolution of important public services and why community remains a salient notion in contemporary developments. "An Introduction to Community" will provide readers with an invaluable framework for understanding the wider role of community as well as to how it impacts in the key areas of social work, health, housing and regeneration, criminal justice, education, community development, and youth work and informal education.