Urban University Community Engagement: Questions of Commitment to Democratic Ethics and Social Change

Abstract

This paper examines ethical issues underpinning urban university engagement in community spaces.  The intent is to encourage an evaluation stance and consider how might university representatives and community representatives justly approach and develop partnerships. The paper questions whether faculty, staff and community partners take action to cultivate public dialogue, or what might be called democratic voice, to bring about social change. Mutuality, reciprocity, community self-determination and collective efficacy, social justice and equity, taken together, and viewed as essential ethics can advance democratic purposes for community-university engagement.