Community Concepts and Perspectives in Social Sciences

Community

A group of individuals living within a specific geographic location.

Social Identification

Shared traits, customs, or goals that bind individuals into a collective whole.

Self-Help

Individuals seek personal development without relying on others, improving on their own.

Community Ownership

Accountability and commitment of individuals to address community problems.

Community Participation

Individuals participate and contribute to community programs and projects.

Inclusion

Communities consist of diverse cultures, races, religions, and social identities.

Access and Equity

Ease of access to resources and basic necessities, with fair allocation.

Advocacies

Formed by members to address shared issues and concerns, aiming to bring about change.

Networking

Creation of linkages among groups and individuals to find commonalities.

Social Action

Members combine efforts to address issues of the status quo for social change.

Social Science Perspective

Focuses on understanding people and how societies developed.

Anthropological Perspective

Studies people, their origins, cultural development, and changes over time.

Paleolithic Age

The Old Stone Age, characterized by hunter-gatherer societies.

Foraging

Roles are given to certain members of the group for hunting and gathering.

Mesolithic Age

The Middle Stone Age, marked by small-scale farming and communal settlements.

Neolithic Age

The New Stone Age, when agriculture became advanced and societies became organized.

Sociological Perspective

Studies the structure, functions, and behavior of society.

Social Stratification

Categorization of people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers.

Social Class

A person's position in the social hierarchy.

Social Mobility

Ability of individuals or groups to move between social classes.

Religion

A major influence shaping identity, behavior, and community norms.

Sexuality

Defines groups by sexual orientation, behaviors, and norms.

Deviance

A deviant act breaks an agreed-upon societal norm.

Political Perspective

Studies governance and power in society.

Nation

Composed of individuals with a common background, such as language and culture.

State

A political entity bounded by territory and population with a government.

Nation-State

When a nation and state combine, sharing government and common culture.

Institutional Perspective

Core establishments that bind people toward specific advocacy or goals.

Family Institutions

The foundation of society, shaped by economic conditions.

Educational Institutions

Schools that teach discipline, values, and prepare individuals for society.

Government Institutions

Formed through a social contract between government and citizens.

Religious Institutions

Provide moral and spiritual guidance within the community.

Economic Institutions

Explain how goods and money flow in society.

Civil Society Perspective

The third sector, operating outside government or business control.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

Organized, voluntary groups addressing specific needs independently from the government.

Social Movements

Informal, issue-based groups formed to fight for a single issue.

Interest Groups

Influence public policy in favor of a specific agenda.

Local Government Organizations

Appointed by the state to provide public services.

International Organizations

Operate beyond borders to address global concerns.

local NGO

Community rooted efforts, donations

International NGO

global concerns, have specific issue-based advocacy