sociology U4 - AOS1

Community

A community is a group of people who share social relationships through being geographically close and/or being in regular contact with each other and through having similarities such as mutual interests and/or shared values and beliefs.

Social capital

Refers to the networks, trust and shared values within a community.

Social cohesion

Refers to the extent to which there are strong relationships and a sense of unity within communities.

Social connectedness

Refers to the extent and quality of an individuals relationships with others.

Gemeinschaft

‘community’

involves close social ties - intimate, personal bonds

• e.g, families, small villages

• shared values and beliefs, and unity of purpose

• geographical proximity → frequent face-to-face interactions

• a collective sense of safety and support

Gaselleschaft

‘society’

• e.g, urban societies and modern-day businesses

• potentially weak social ties

• interactions can be indirect and not necessarily face to face (e.g online communities)

• individuals don't necessarily share values/beliefs

• individual responsibility for safety and support, institutional or contractual

ICT - positive impact on community ✔︎

• enables communication for people from different geographical locations

• gives people better access to supports (a wide range of communities)

ICT - negative impacts on community ✘

• can reduce face to face interactions

• not everyone has access

Exclusion

Exclusion occurs when individuals or groups are denied participation in society, such as education, activities jobs & communities.

Factors influencing exclusion:

• race/ethnicity

• gender or sexuality

• disabilities

• language barriers

Ways to eliminate exclusion:

1. providing accessible services e.g ramps, translators

2. education about inclusion

3. anti discrimination laws/policies

Inclusion

Inclusion involves ensuring everyone has equal access and is actively welcomed and involved within a community.

Effect of different factors on community: Political changes

Government policies & law reforms improve inclusion, affect community funding services and influence rights, safety and access for some groups.

Effect of different factors on community: Economic changes

Inflation, job loss and cost of living can increase social exclusion and affect the availability of community programs.

Effect of different factors on community: Geographical changes

Urbanisation & natural disasters are geographical changes which can force people to migrate, which can separate communities and create distance between individuals.

Effect of different factors on community: Social changes

Social changes can increase diversity, creating new as well as expanding current communities. Increased diversity can also create cultural clashes.

Social factors

Aspects of society that influence the behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs of individuals and groups.

Geographical factors

Geographical characteristics refer to proximity and accessibility, scenic quality or built features

Political factors

Aspects of society that can influence the experience of community relating to government policies or laws.

Economic factors

Aspects of society relating to costs and access to financial resources.