sociology unit 4 sac 1

community

refers to a group of people who share social relationships through being geographically close to each other and/or being in regular contact with each other, and through having similarities such as mutual interests and/or shared ideology.

TASA

refers to the process used to conduct socially responsible research

Voluntary participation:

• willing involvement of research participants

• the right to refuse to participate in a research project without having to give a reason or justify their decision

community has traditionally been used to describe groups of people who:

• live in the same geographical area

• have a similar interest

key features of a contemporary community: a group of people

• who share a common bond

• can be a few or a hundred people

key features of a contemporary community: shared social relationships

• can be seen through trust, mutual support or a shared identity

key features of a contemporary community: geographically close

• close proximity can assist with developing social connections

concept of community: the town of Mallacoota

group of people:

• tight-knit community with more than 1080 permanent residents

regular contact:

• highly active and engaged with beach walking, fishing and diving

mutual interests and shared ideology:

• demonstrated resilience and solidarity towards the black summer bushfires when members came together to support each other

type of communities: geographic

• local neighbourhoods or town

• described as a large group living near one another

type of communities: cultural

local club, subculture or multicultural youth group

type of communities: community organisations

political associations, work groups and charities

type of communities: interest-based communities

people who share a common identity other than a location, and often interact regularly

industrialisation

refers to the process of transforming an economy from agricultural-based to a manufacturing-based one; this involves the introduction of machinery and technology to increase productivity and efficiency

urbanisation

refers to the growth of cities and the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas; this often occurs due to the creation of jobs in urban areas = better opportunities for work.

the theory of Ferdinand Tonnies

the processes of industrialisation and urbanisation had a profound impact on people’s daily lives and social relationships

• traditional close-knit village life

• replaced by an urban life that was viewed as lacking in depth and warmth, and characterised by impersonal and superficial relationships

gemeinschaft (community) definition

refers to a cohesive, close and long-lasting relationship on a community-level, often used to describe family relationships within small geographical communities.

gesellschaft (society) definition

refers to individualistic and impersonal relationships on a societal level, used to describe post-industrial and urban communities where people are more anonymous, private and busy.

gemeinschaft context + example

• blood (kinship), mind (sense of being a unique group) and land

• seen as culturally homogenous, shaped by the moral laws of the church and family

• rural farming communities or religious communities such as Amish in Tasmania

gesellschaft context + examples

• a group of people who come together by choice, usually for very specific practical reasons

• follow their own selfish interests

• workplace social clubs + fitness centres

neo-tribe

refers to a dynamic and loosely formed community that is brought together by a shared interest in seeking a sense of belonging. According to the theorist Michel Maffesoli, these social groups have formed in response to constantly shifting identities within modern societies

theory of neo-tribes Michel Maffesoli

• community groups changed over time due to shifting values, attitudes and interests in post-modern society = dynamic and loosley formed

• emerged in response to the rise of individualism and decline of traditional social structures

• characterised by fluidity, ocassional gatherings and dispersal

three key factors of neo-tribes

• territory - which the neo-tribe is connected: the physical space or environemnt where it is related

• common tastes - shared in the neo-tribe: united by their shared interests or preferances

• return of the eternal child - phenomenon: may embrace a childlike state of mind seen through love of playfulness

changes to the concept of community over time

key words:

• before and after

—

• undergone significant changes over time

• plays a crucial role in modern society

post-modern

• The approach recognises that there are many different perspectives and ways of understanding the world.

• involves challenging traditional approaches and beliefs.

individualism

refers to the political and/or personal belief that emphasises the worth and importance of the individual over the collective or group.

gamer neo tribe examples

• united by mutual interest in video games

• creates subgroups within the broader gaming community ranging from online multiplayer games to in person tabletop games

• a fluid community where anyone can leave and join for those who have jobs

digital revolution

involves the widespread integration of information and communication technologies, significantly changing how people communicate, work, access information, and socialise.

similarities between tonies and maffesoli

• emphasise an importance of community in fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing among individuals

• explores the impact of change on the concept of community

differences between tonies and maffesoli

tonnies’ theory highlights negative effects of modernism on community connections, whilst maffesoli’s theory sees the potential benefits of neo-tribes for supporting people in modern, fast-paced societies

experiences of community

how people feel and interact with a group of which they are a member of, including their sense of belonging, social interaction and level of inclusion.

factors of experiencing community

• The level of inclusion an individual feels

• The extent to which their needs are met

• Their access to the skills and resources of the group

factors that influence feelings of belongings context

• creation of feelings of belonging

• feelings of acceptance and inclusion

• critical for people’s emotional wellbeing

key feeling words

• included

• welcomed

• supported

• appreciated

factors that influence feelings of belongings: shared values and beliefs

many communities are formed around shared values and beliefs such as religion and political

eg: environmental activists who share a common belief in importance of protecting the environment will work together to raise awareness and advocate for policies

factors that influence feelings of belongings: inclusion

those who are inclusive and welcoming of all people regardless of their background = enhance a sense of belonging and connection within the group

eg: a student who is interrested in music might find inclusion in a school-based music club that provides opportunities to connect with other students

factors that influence feelings of belongings: social support

people feel a sense of belonging when they know that they have others around them who can provide emotional or practical support

eg: a student who is new to a school might receive social support from a peer mentor or house buddy program

Information and communications technology (ICT)

refers to the equipment and machinery that is used to store and/or distribute information; for example, computers, mobile phones, the Internet and social media.

• alters the way people interact and communicate with each other

• created both new opportunites and threats to structure and natrue of community

Information and communications technology: positives

• aided the process of globalisation which has helped accelerate the growth of gesellschaft communities with the introduction of new sports, hobbies and cultural groups

• has made it easier for people to stay in touch with community members through various platforms such as email, social media and messaging apps

Information and communications technology: negatives

• insufficient education about safe online community participation can lead unsafe interactions such as online grooming from predators and cyberbullying

• exclusion of other community members due to unequal access to ICT = digital divide that can increase existing social inequalities

economic factors

refer to a group’s access to financial resources. These resources are influenced by many factors, such as group members’ contributions, donations, government funding and insurance

• experience of community shaped by unemployment rates, income levels and access to government funding

economic factor example

• tourism is a significant economic factor impacting the tourism experience in Mallacoota

• 2019-2020 bushfires caused evacuations in Mallacoota and a significant economic loss + pandemic lockdowns

• crisis brought the community closer together as locals supported ecah other, working to rebuild and reopen businesses

social factors

refer to elements within society that influence the behaviour, attitudes and beliefs of individuals and groups.

• while cultural norms and social hierarchies can create a sense of belonging and shared identity = exclusionary practices can lead to social isolation and marginalisation in others

social factor example

• Joel Pilgrim CEO of waves of wellness organised surfing lessons and mental health conversations to help people reclaim the beach and feel connected and safe to their town once again

• allowed people to talk about trauma of fires in a positive light and enjoy time with loved ones

political factors

Government policies, regulations, structures and institutions can influence the experience of the community

political factor example

• desire for locally driven recovery from the Black Summer bushfires = Mallacoota and District Recovery Association (MADRA)

• successfully campaigned for funding for local projects, such as short-term housing and regeneration initiatives

geographical characteristics

• Proximity

• Accessibility

• Climate

• Scenic quality

• Landforms

• Natural resources

• Built features (such as community centres)

• Population

link between geography and experience of community: proximity

• when communities are near each other, it is easier for people to engage in shared activities and events, nurturing social connections and opportunities to attend gatherings

• promotes a sense of belonging and shared identity

link between geography and experience of community: population

• uneven age distribution in a suburban community can cause issues meeting needs of both families and older residents'

• older = inadequate health and social services

• young = pressure on schooling and recreational facilities

link between geography and experience of community: accessibility

• reliable public transport and accessible pedestrian areas = easy for members to assist and participate in activities

• promote social inclusion and community cohesion