Dialectic of Unity and Fragmenation in Feeding the Homeless: Promoting Social Justice through Communication

• In Event: Community Building for Personal and Professional Support: New Challenges, Creative Solutions

Abstract

This study examines the dialectic between unity and fragmentation in community suppers that promote social justice through communication. Powerful examples of unity were displayed as people shared their personal stories, and engaged in coordinated actions to prepare the meal. There are also instances of fragmentation. For example, some poor people felt fragmented when talking to wealthier people who had different worldviews. The central argument advanced in this essay is that unity and fragmentation yield community.

Authors

• Wendy H Papa, Central Michigan Univ

• Michael Papa, Central Michigan University

• Krishna P. Kandath, Univ of New Mexico

• Tracy R Worrell, University of Oklahoma

• Nithya Muthuswamy, Michigan State University