Community Engagement,
Solidarity and Citizenship
First Quarter – Module 2:
COMMUNITY
S ON
PERSPECTIVE
DIFFERENT
Social Capital. It is defined as the
0 networks of relationship among people
who live and work in a
particular society for the effective
functioning of the community
List
Vocabulary
1
02 Communitarianism. It explains the
connection between the individual and
the community
0
Self-Organization. The process can be
spontaneous when sufficient energy is
available, not needing control by any
external agent.
3
0
Volunteerism. It is about people’s need
to participate in their group or
organization to benefit the community in
various activities or action.
Definition of Community Across Different
Perspectives
• The Social Science Perspective
“Social Science” is an umbrella term for various
fields of study which examines social relations and
human society. It views the community as composed
of people interacting with one another, sensitive to
each other’s emotions and subjective point of view.
Basically, it describes “community as a group of
people in a particular area interacting
together.”
• Anthropology - This field examines the various aspects of humans, such as
their
biology, behavior, culture and social interactions. It may also study how people
adapt 5
their ways of living to different environments e.g, determining ways to help a
community solve health related concerns. This can be addressed by
understanding the situation through interacting with the people in the
community. Connecting its history with its present condition., end eventually
solving the community concern.
• Economics - This field studies the production, allocation and consumption of
goods
and services. In any community, one finds various forms of wealth distribution.
The
ultimate goal of economics is to improve the lives of people, such that their
needs
are satisfied.
• Political Science - The field encompasses the various ways and means of
allocating
power, influence, decision-making. This includes types of governments and
management systems, and how people in small bands or informal groups make
decisions when they do not have recognized leaders. All communities have
some
forms of political system.
• Psychology - This discipline studies the human mind, brain, and social
behavior. This
extends to interaction between people and interpersonal relationships. It
comprises a
variety of different subfields including abnormal psychology, developmental
psychology, cognitive psychology and social psychology. Psychology in general
is
most often associated with the study, diagnosis and treatment of mental
illnesses.
• Sociology - This field is the study of society, social order, social
interactions, and
culture. It introduces the concepts of social capital and
communitarianism. Social
capital is defined as the networks of relationship among people who live
and work in
a particular society for the effective functioning of the community. The
concept of
communitarianism explains the connection between the individual and
the 6
community. Every person has a special role in one’s society, and it’s part
of human
nature to relate with other people in various conditions or situations.
Civil Society Perspective
•
•
• Stresses the idea of forming a group, foundation or an organization in
service
to society. This perspective views society as a community of citizens
linked by common
interests and collective activity. Examples include people’s organization,
civic
organization, and social movements.
• This is considered the affective model of community since a sense of
belonging
is achieved due to the collaboration of shared interests and identities in
serving the
humanity. Groups of people come together regardless of location, and
organize plans
to render support and assistance to society.
• Some examples of civic organizations in the Philippines are ABS CBN
Foundation, Ayala Red Cross Foundation, Boy and Girl Scouts of the
Philippines and
Local and Grassroots Perspectives
• This perspective highlights volunteerism. Members of communities
may
involve themselves in various programs or activities. The community
uses self-7
organization and encourages the local citizens to contribute to the
community by
taking responsibilities and actions.
• Leaders and other members identify the sources of concerns in a local
setting
and determine ways to address these problems. Volunteers are mobilized
in
cooperation with government decision-makers who will be accountable
for their actions. The
community also formulates programs for others, and employs actions
according to the needs
of the community.
• A concrete example of this is when doctors and dentists in different
communities come together to organize medical and dental missions
especially for
Institutional Perspective
The institutional perspective views the community in three different
dimensions
FIRST DIMENSION
It is an existing establishment or physical
space
where members of the community go for a THIRD DIMENSION
certain Community is composed of the ways people
purpose. act,
interact with each other, react, and expect
each other to act and interact.
SECOND DIMENSION
It is the institutional community as a social
model.
This is defined by networks and institutions
where
community group are formed in certain
areas such as schools, churches or
companies.
