In this module, we are going to be familiarized with the different definitions of community along

different perspectives! Let us get started.

Objective:

Define using various perspectives e.g. social sciences, institutions, civil society, and local/grassroots
level.

Welcome to Module 2, we are now ready to understand the different perspectives on

community. Together, we are going to realize the following objectives:
1. Explain the definition of community in different perspectives.
2. Appreciate different perspectives on community.

Vocabulary List

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

Communitarianism- It 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.

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

Pre-test

Let’s Try

Direction: Below are pictures that are related to different disciplines in social sciences that are
significant in the study of community. Choose three from the pictures and associate it to the field
that you think it is related, then answer the follow-up questions below.
Let’s ponder and Write

Were you able to choose 3 pictures and relate them to a field in social science? What do you
think is the role of such a field in studying community?
1. ________________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________________

Keep This in Mind

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.”

The following are disciplines in social sciences that related to the idea of community:

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 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 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 Caritas Manila. The human right
movement, on the other hand, is an example of social movement.

Local and Grassroots Perspectives

This perspective highlights volunteerism. Members of communities may involve themselves

in various programs or activities. The community uses self- 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 families affected by calamities. The
youth who are full of spirit and energy are often excited to engage themselves in outdoor activities.
Immersing themselves in farming and fishing and taking part in the planting of trees and crops will
serve a meaningful experience for them.
Institutional Perspective

The institutional perspective views the community in three different dimensions. Study the diagram
below:

Task 1

1. What is the institutional perspective?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Is it an important perspective in studying the community? Why? Why not?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. How do you think each dimension relates to each other?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Task 2

Have you ever tried volunteering yourself for humanitarian reasons? How was your experience? If
not, would you want to be part of this endeavor? Why? Why not?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Post-Test

Direction: Complete the crossword by filling in a word that fits each clue.

Across:

2. This field is focused in the study of society, social orders, socialization and culture.
3. One of the perspectives in community wherein it understands that community is composed of the
ways people interact with each other, react, and expect each other to act and interact.
4. Institutional community is a _______ model as it is defined by its networks and institutions.
8. The ultimate of this discipline is to improve the lives of others such that their needs are satisfied.
10. Civil society perspective is considered as __________ model since because of collaboration a
sense of belonging is achieved.

Down:

1. One highlight of civil society perspective wherein the members of the community may involve
themselves in various community activities.
5. It is most often associated with the study, diagnosis of mental illnesses.
6. It is described from social science perspective as a group of people interacting together.
7. This community perspective uses self-organization and encourages the local citizens to contribute
to the community by taking responsibilities and actions.
9. It explains the connection between the individual and the community.