This document discusses different perspectives on defining community. The social science perspective views community as composed of people interacting with subjective points of view, as studied in fields like anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The civil society perspective stresses forming groups and organizations to serve society. The local and grassroots perspective highlights volunteerism within communities. Finally, the institutional perspective views community as physical spaces people use for purposes, as social networks formed around institutions, and as ways people interact and expect each other to act.

1. Community Engagement,
Solidarity and Citizenship
DIFFERENT
PERSPECTIVES ON
COMMUNITY

2. OBJECTIVES
O1. Explain the definition of
community in different perspectives.
O2. Appreciate different perspectives
on community.

3. Definition of Terms
Social Capital -
OIt is defined as the networks of
relationship among people who
live and work in a particular
society for the effective
functioning of the community.

4. Communitarianism
OIt explains the connection
between the individual and the
community.
Self-Organization
• The process can be spontaneous
when sufficient energy is
available, not needing control by
any external agent.

5. Volunteerism
OIt is about people’s need to
participate in their group or
organization to benefit the
community in various activities
or action.

6. Definition of Community
Across Different Perspectives
The Social Science Perspective
O “Social Science”
O - 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.

7. Anthropology
O This field examines the various aspects of
humans, such as their biology, behavior,
culture and social interactions.
O It may also study how people adapt their
ways of living to different environments
e.g, determining ways to help a
community solve health related concerns.

8. Anthropology
O This can be addressed by understanding
the situation through interacting with the
people in the community.
O Connecting its history with its present
condition., end eventually solving the
community concern.

9. Economics
O This field studies the production,
allocation and consumption of goods and
services. In any community, one finds
various forms of wealth distribution.
O The ultimate goal of economics is to
improve the lives of people, such that their
needs are satisfied.

10. Political Science
O The field encompasses the various ways
and means of allocating power, influence,
decision-making.
O 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.

11. Psychology
O This discipline studies the human mind,
brain, and social behavior. This extends to
interaction between people and
interpersonal relationships.
O 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.

12. Sociology
OThis field is the study of society,
social order, social interactions,
and culture.
O It introduces the concepts of
social capital and
communitarianism. (sl. 3/4)

13. Civil Society Perspective
O Stresses the idea of forming a group,
foundation or an organization in service to
society.
O This perspective views society as a
community of citizens linked by common
interests and collective activity.
O Examples include people’s organization,
civic organization, and social movements

14. Civil Society Perspective
O 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.
O Groups of people come together
regardless of location, and organize plans
to render support and assistance to
society.

15. Local and Grassroots
Perspectives
O This perspective highlights volunteerism.
Members of communities may involve
themselves in various programs or
activities.
O The community uses self organization and
encourages the local citizens to contribute
to the community by taking responsibilities
and actions.

16. Institutional Perspective
O The institutional perspective views the
community in three different dimensions.
FIRST DIMENSION
O It is an existing establishment or physical
space where members of the community
go for a certain purpose

17. Institutional Perspective
SECOND DIMENSION
O It is the institutional community as a social
model.
O This is defined by networks and
institutions where community group are
formed in certain areas such as schools,
churches or companies.

18. Institutional Perspective
THIRD DIMENSION
 Community is composed of the
ways people act, interact with each
other, react, and expect each other
to act and interact.

19. Thank You!