Thesis
Reevaluating the community-building potential of community supported agriculture (CSA): A case study of the Washington State University CSA program
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2009
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101806
Abstract
This thesis explores the role of community in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). I present a profile of CSA as it has grown and spread across the country as well as review the debates and discussion around CSA's community-building potential. To expand how we evaluate CSA's community-building potential, I propose a multidimensional framework based on sociology's community literature. I then apply this framework to an in-depth case study of the Washington State University Organic Farm CSA Program. I use a combination of qualitative research methods such as semistructured interviews and formal participant observation. Within this thesis I argue for an alternative analysis of CSA's communitybuilding potential. I suggest first that CSA's community-building potential should be evaluated by assessing the different "people and organizations" affiliated with the program. Second, I call for an analysis of the "actions and practices-spaces and structures," where meanings, activities, and social displays of community are maintained and contested. Finally, I argue that participants' "consciousness and meanings" should be explored in relation to three components of community: shared interests, social connections, and place-based environmental connections.
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Details
- Title
- Reevaluating the community-building potential of community supported agriculture (CSA)
- Creators
- Courtney Field Bennett
- Contributors
- Jessica R. Goldberger (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525109101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis