DIFFERENT

PERSPECTIVES ON
COMMUNITY
Lesson 2
 In Module 1, we learned that community is a
social unit that shares something in
common.
 This means that, socialization is an important
factor in community dynamics.
 As people interact, they start to build
relationships that make them share patterns of
behavior, culture, norms and mores.
 Thus, culture is also formed.
Can you think of words that would define your understanding
of what community is based from the pool of words above?
What are your perspectives in understanding
the community?

 Do you think these

words are enough to explain the
dynamics of community?
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.
 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.

 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.

 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.
Tree planting Activity
 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?