Conclusion: Human Development and the Common Good—Implications for Higher Education, Community Engagement and Service-Learning

Abstract

This chapter is a synopsis of key themes addressed throughout the book. These themes are central to approaching community engagement and service-learning from the human development and capability approach as a way of advancing human development and the common good. The chapter starts by providing a synthesis of the dominant framing of community engagement and service-learning, which includes the functionalism, constructivism and emancipatory-critical approaches. Acknowledging the value of each approach, the chapter delves into re-framing community engagement and service-learning as a human development and common good project. This is done through asking human development and common good–related questions; identifying dimensions of community engagement and service-learning that point towards human development and the common good; and focusing on critical and honest dialogue, deliberation and collective reasoning that accord dignity and respect for each partner. The chapter provides theoretical and practical implications for partnerships between universities and external communities in human development and the common good.