Social mapping is a visual method used to understand the social structure and demographics of a community. It shows the location of households and distribution of different groups like gender, age, wealth. It can be used to identify social groups, assess asset distribution, and learn about local institutions. The process involves selecting local analysts to discuss social differences and perceptions. Analysts then work together to produce a map showing household locations and characteristics. While useful, social mapping becomes complex with large communities, requiring adaptation.

1. Pemetaan
Sosial
Potensi Ekonomi Rural

2. What is it
 Social mapping is a visual method of showing
the relative location of households and the
distribution of different types of people (such
as male, female, adult, child, landed, landless,
literate, and illiterate) together with the social
structure and institutions of an area.

3. What can it be used for
 • showing data on community layout,
infrastructure, demography, ethno- linguistic
groups, health pattern, wealth, and so on
 • identifying different social groups using locally
defined criteria and assessing the distribution of
assets across social groups
 • learning about the social institutions and the
different views local people might have regarding
those institutions

4. What does it tell you
 an overview of community structure and the
socioeconomic situation
 household differences by social factors
 who lives where in a community

5. Limitation
 Social mapping is easier when communities
are small, but the process becomes much
more complex when household numbers are
high. It might be necessary to adapt the tool in
these contexts.

6.  Possible Approach
 The following approach is a general example
that can be adapted to suit the local context,
views of local analysts, and the research
objectives.

7.  Step 1: Select Local Analysts. Identify the groups of people to
talk to about their perceptions of social difference in their
community. These decisions will be based on the objectives and
depth of information required for the research. For example,
separate groups of men and women might be useful to obtain
different perspectives regarding the social structure of a
community and the importance of various social infrastructures.
Outputs differ consistently if generated by women, men, or
children. However, it might be necessary to break down the
population into further categories (such as ethnicity, well-being
category, or caste). Groups of five to ten local analysts should
reflect any relevant and important social divisions.

8.  Step 2: Provide Introductions and
Explanations. When working with each
group, the facilitator and observer/note-taker
should begin by introducing themselves and
explaining carefully and clearly the objectives
of the discussion. Check that the local
analysts understand and feel comfortable with
what will be discussed.

9.  Step 3: Produce a Social Map. First decide what type of area
the map will show or any limitations such as a village, an
indigenous ancestral domain, a watershed, and so on. Social
maps begin as physical maps of the residential area of a
community. The principles followed in setting up the exercise and
getting going for the social map are similar to those used with a
community resource map; it might even be possible and useful to
combine both and produce one map showing social and
resource aspects of the community.
 With the help of local analysts, select a suitable place and
medium, such as on the ground using objects such as stones,
seeds, sticks, leaves, and colored powder; on the floor using