VCE Sociology Unit 4: Community Revision

These flashcards are designed to help students understand key sociological concepts related to community, incorporating definitions and important theories.

Community

A group of people who share social relationships through geographical closeness or regular contact and who have similarities such as mutual interests, beliefs, or ideologies.

Physical Communities

Communities based on proximity, such as neighborhoods or rural towns.

Virtual Communities

Communities that exist in digital spaces where common interests replace geographic closeness.

Traditional Communities

Communities characterized by kinship-based relationships and social roles that are fixed and based on tradition.

Modern Communities

Communities that are more flexible and interest-based, often seen in industrialized and urban settings.

Urbanisation

The process of becoming more urban, which weakens traditional, close-knit communities.

Industrialisation

A process that introduces impersonal and utilitarian social structures, replacing traditional community ties.

Globalisation

The process that reduces the importance of physical boundaries, leading to global communities based on shared ideologies.

Gemeinschaft

A type of community characterized by intimate, long-lasting relationships based on loyalty and tradition.

Gesellschaft

A type of society characterized by impersonal, short-term relationships driven by self-interest.

Ferdinand Tönnies

A sociologist known for his concepts of Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft, focusing on community and society.

Neo-Tribes

Modern communities that are fluid and based on shared interests rather than geographic or traditional roles.

Emotional Connection in Neo-Tribes

A sense of belonging and identity fostered by shared emotions and experiences in modern communities.

Technological Advancements

Modern communication technologies that facilitate the creation of new forms of community.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not.

Social Support

Support received from social networks that provides emotional, practical, and material benefits.

Inclusion

The practice of embracing diverse backgrounds within a community to foster belonging.

ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

Technologies that facilitate the creation and maintenance of virtual communities.

Economic Factors

Conditions related to the economy that influence community resources and infrastructure.

Social Factors

Cultural traditions and shared values that promote or hinder community belonging.

Political Factors

Government policies and funding that impact the well-being and structure of communities.

Geographical Characteristics

Physical and environmental features that affect community creation and maintenance.

Case Study

A specific examination of a community to evaluate the factors influencing its experience.

Voluntary Participation

A key ethical principle ensuring participation in research is not coerced.

Informed Consent

The process of making sure participants fully understand the purpose and nature of the research.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The obligation to protect personal data and maintain participant anonymity in research.

Community Experience

The shared feelings and perspectives of members within a community.

Shared Values & Beliefs

Common principles held by community members that enhance belonging.

Shared Experiences

Collective activities or challenges faced by group members that strengthen bonds.

Physical Proximity

The geographical closeness of individuals in a community promoting interaction.

Community Activities

Events or initiatives that encourage participation and connection among community members.

Peer Mentorship Programs

Programs designed to provide guidance and support among individuals within a community.

Cultural Traditions

Long-established practices and beliefs that shape community identities.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment of individuals based on characteristics like race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Adaptive Capacity

The ability of a community to adjust and recover from hardships.

Recovery Initiatives

Programs aimed at assisting communities in bouncing back after crises.

Community Cohesion

The degree to which members of a community feel connected to each other.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move within or between social strata, affecting community dynamics.

Cultural Diversity

The existence of various cultural groups within a community.

Online Platforms

Digital spaces such as forums where communities with niche interests can connect.

Community Infrastructure

The physical structures and institutions that support community life.

Economic Resilience

The capacity of a community to thrive economically despite challenges.

Natural Features

Geographical characteristics like rivers or mountains that can influence community formation.

Community Identity

The sense of self and belonging derived from being a part of a particular community.

Roles in Community

Positions individuals hold within a community that may vary by identity and participation.

Interpersonal Relationships

Connections between individuals characterized by interactions, both personal and professional.

Community Engagement

The active involvement of individuals in the activities and governance of their community.

Social Networks

Webs of relationships among individuals that provide support and facilitate communication.

Rural Communities

Communities situated in the countryside, often with close interpersonal relationships.

Urban Settings

Densely populated areas where interactions are typically more transactional.

Identity in Community

How individuals perceive their role and connection within a group.

Structural Roles

Fixed positions individuals hold in traditional communities based on established norms.

Proximal Interaction

Face-to-face communication that is often deeper than virtual interactions.

Fragmented World

A description of modern society where connections may lack depth due to their transient nature.

Subcultures

Groups that develop distinct cultures within a larger culture based on specific interests.

Community Recovery Post-Crisis

The process communities engage in to heal and rebuild after adverse events.

Emotionally Driven Connections

Relationships fostered primarily through shared emotional experiences rather than geographic ties.

Societal Changes

Transformations in community dynamics due to factors like urbanisation or technological advances.

Identity Crisis in Communities

The confusion or struggle regarding a community’s purpose or social structure.

Inclusivity Initiatives

Efforts to promote acceptance of diverse members within a community.

Civic Engagement

The involvement of community members in public service and governance.

Crisis Management in Communities

Strategies for handling unexpected events impacting community life.

Tradition vs. Modernity

The tension between established customs and contemporary practices within communities.

Community Dynamics

The patterns of interaction and relationships that define a community.

Social Integration

The process through which newcomers are incorporated into the community.

Membership Identity

The sense of belonging derived from being a recognized member of a community.

Community Pride

The positive feelings individuals have about their community and its achievements.

Societal Reflection

The examination of how community structures mirror broader societal trends.

Conflict in Communities

Disputes that arise within a community potentially hindering cohesion.

Community Mobilisation

The act of rallying community members to address common issues or initiate projects.

Historical Communities

Past forms of communities that may influence modern social structures.

Sociological Research

The systematic study of societies and social behavior through various methods.

Ethics in Research

The moral principles guiding conduct and integrity in sociological studies.

Vulnerability in Communities

The susceptibility of certain community members to marginalization or exclusion.

Demographic Changes

Variations in population characteristics that impact community identity.

Engenders Connection

Actions or dynamics that foster relationships and ties among community members.

Community Mapping

A technique used to identify community resources and social networks.