Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship 12

Lesson 1: The Importance, Definition, and Elements of a Community and the Approaches in the
Study of It
The importance of Understanding a Community and Its Gains
The Definition of a Community
The Elements of a Community: Nature and Power Structure
The Structure of a Community
The Dimensions of a Community
The Four Approaches in Applying the Term Community

Learning Competency: Explain the importance of studying community dynamics and community
action in relation to applied social sciences and the learners’ future career options.
CODE: HUMSS_CSC12-IIIa-c-1
Teacher: Mrs. Princes F. Cabalar
COMMUNITY
Questions: Why is it important to study
community? How is a community defined
and viewed?
 Gains from Understanding Community Dynamics

Provides benchmarking data –Before the undertaking of any community action or development intervention like a
community project, it is important to establish benchmark data. The data illustrate the preliminary picture or image of
the community.

Provides preliminary project planning information –It is necessary to secure community information and
feedback needed for the conceptualization of a project design or plan. Understanding community dynamics is the key
to a sound and relevant community development plan.

Provides an idea of the community’s strengths and challenges –An in-depth understanding of the community’s
based project development team to identify the strengths and possible loopholes of the project design.
Provides an opportunity to understand the community’s dominant rules and norms –The success or
failure of a community project more often than not is strongly affected by the prevailing rules and norms in
the community.

Provides an occasion to gauge the attitude and behavior of the community –An understanding of the
community members’ attitude and behavior will give the project development team an idea whether the project
will be supported or rejected.

Provides a way for a more directed and well-informed dialogue with the community –If one is an outsider
in a target community for project development, a crucial activity one should undertake is dialogue with the
community.
Makes networking and partnership building more favorable –By having an idea of the
different advocacy and interest groups in the community, it is easier for people from schools,
institutions, or groups to partner with local networks or associations.

Makes networking and partnership building more favorable –Without a good grasp of the
community they are aimed at, project development and implementation become complicated and
stressful.
 REFLECTION QUESTION

Why is it important to understand or get to

know your target community? Share your
reflections in class.
 THE NATURE OF COMMUNITY

-A community is a sociological construct –The concept of a community is not only

a “construct” (model); it is a sociological construct or a set of interactions or human
behaviors that have meaning and expectations between members.
-A community has fuzzy boundaries – When a community is a little village
separated by a few kilometers from other villages in a rural area, its boundaries
appear at first to be very simple.
-A community can exist within a larger communities, including districts, regions,
ethnic groups, nations, and other boundaries.
 THE NATURE OF COMMUNITY

A community can be considered like an organism because it can function even

if people come and go.
Bartle (2010) further pointed out that “a community is a super-organic organism
or system” made up of the thoughts, outlook, and conduct of individual human
beings full of divisions and conflicts…
THE STRUCTURE OF A COMMUNITY

In a community, change agents put premium in

understanding power structure. Community power
structure is about the distribution of power at the local
community level (Sociology Guide). But what is
power? What are the bases of local community
power?
 Bases of Local Community Power Description

Connections The capacity to create linkages and develop helpful relationships with
powerful individuals, family, and organizations

Power in Number The base, back-up, and support of the people in the community

Rewards The ability to provide awards, promotion, money, and gifts that are useful
to meet individual or organizational goals

Personal Traits/Expertise The capacity to foster respect and loyalty based on charm, talents, and
skills

Legitimate Power The leadership title or higher organizational or institutional position

Information The ability to keep or share information

Coercion Influence through manipulation and coercion

 Activity

“Masid-Suri”
Objective: To determine your concept of community
Instructions:
Masid –to observe (4 groups)
1. Watch a short film about community life.
2. Watch and observe the dynamics at play.
3. Take notes of your observations.
Suri –to analyze (4 groups)
1. Write an essay on the community shown in the film. Use the following questions:
1.1. What is the composition of the community?
1.2. What are the characteristics of the community?
1.3. What are the dynamics in the community?
2. Submit your essay and share your thoughts in class. Your essay will be evaluated based on the
following:
2. Submit your essay and share your thoughts in class. Your essay will be evaluated based on the
following:

Category

Stays on Topic 5

Accuracy of Facts (Content) 5

Sequencing of Information 5

Cooperation 5

Total 20
THANK YOU!