THE RESPONSIVE COMMUNITY - A COMMUNITARIAN PERSPECTIVE - 1995 PRESIDENTIAL-ADDRESS

Authentic communities, ones that are responsive to the ''true needs'' of all community members, reflect the appropriate balance of order and autonomy. The traditional contradiction between order and autonomy ca n be minimized by responsiveness that considers the community's histor ical position. When centripetal forces pull too much toward order, an emphasis must be placed on autonomy. When centrifugal forces pull too much toward autonomy, order must be given greater weight. The relation ship between centripetal and centrifugal forces is peculiar Like a sym biotic relationship, the forces enhance each other However at a point where one force gains undue supremacy over the other, they become anta gonistic. This relationship, labeled inverting symbiosis, informs comm unitarian analysis of the current social conditions and therefore must be applied within context. As communities develop particularistic ide ntities, boundaries between members and nonmembers evolve. To reduce t he potential for conflict, layered loyalties (allegiances to multiple communities) must be fostered. Ultimately an overarching ''community o f communities'' must develop to respond to the needs of constituent co mmunities as those communities are responsive to their constituent mem bers.