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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SOLIDARITY, AND CITIZENSHIP

Lesson One: Introduction to Community

The study of community entails us to understand our very own community life. It gives us the idea on how
to perceive reality by becoming involve in the day-to-day process which is socialization. In the interaction
process, people grasp the challenges of the contemporary community life.
Using the imaginative yet rational ideals of social sciences, we sought to investigate how socialization may
impact the dynamics within the community – whether it has improved or worsened the present condition.
In this module, we are geared towards explaining the importance of studying community dynamics and
community action using the social sciences perspectives.
KEY TERMS

• Community - The word community was derived from the Latin word communis, which means
“common” or “shared”.
• Community Dynamics - The changes in the community brought about by social, cultural and
environmental experiences whether it is positive or negative development that impacts within the
community.
• Non – geographical Community - It is a community formed based on needs, ideas, interests,
identity, practices, and roles in social institutions.
• Geographical Community - It is a community where members share the same geographical vicinity
such as a village, province or neighborhood.
• Micro-level community - A community wherein a group is formed based on personal ties
• Community Action - is any activity that aims to increase the understanding, engagement and
empowerment of communities for the intention of giving services to people.
• Empowerment - enable the people to independently decide, plan out and take action to control the
situation they have in the community.
• Social capital - is a positive product of human interaction. The network of relationships within
particular society, to function effectively.
Communication and relationships are imperative in building community. As people communicate and
interact, relationships foster. It develops pattern by which adopted in the environment.
Communities may also be in two levels: Micro-level community, a group is formed based on personal ties.
This may include groups formed for pursuing common interests or goals like forming a small organization
to hold a fund-raising activity such as concerts. At macro-level, large group affiliation is formed such as
national communities, international communities, and virtual communities. Companies and corporations
may develop various programs that would include different members across the country. They will work
on meeting certain objectives and expand on the aspect of community involvement.
Mores, values, and identity is a commonality that form culture. Hence, the interest of social sciences focused
in the study of communities. The following are the importance of studying community:
1. It motivates people to work together – people feel a sense of community and recognize the benefits of
their involvement.
2. It encourages social, religious, or traditional obligations for mutual help.
3. People see a genuine opportunity to better their own lives and for the community.

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4. It understands policies promoting community participation that values social capital.
5. Community participation could be understood as the direct involvement of citizenry in the affairs of
planning, governance, and overall development programs at local or grassroot levels.

Community Action
Community Action is any activity that aims to increase the understanding, engagement and empowerment
of communities for the intention of giving services to people. There are 3-key points in grasping the
definition more meaningful:

• Understanding – raise an awareness about certain communal issues that needs to be addressed.
People develop the feeling of involvement once they truly comprehend the situation within. They
come together to support advocacies that will overcome community needs and difficulties.
• Engagement – Once issues are assessed properly and people in the community understand the
needs, they work collaboratively to act on it. The main goal of engaging in the community is to
improve the partnership and coalitions among the community. It is important that engagement
occurs so that members will be able to involve meaningfully in the activities that they have created.
• Empowerment – enable the people to independently decide, plan-out and take action to control the
situation they have in the community. This means, initiative and decisions come from internal group
organized for the benefit of everyone. It is also necessary that the community can provide
significant networks and linkages that will genuinely serve the advocacies that they have built.
Hence, the study of community action is imperative in the field of social sciences and other related
disciplines as it lays on the foundation that individuals and families – as basic unit, are embedded in different
social structures that shape the behaviors in the system. Having knowledge in community action makes an
individual understand better by being aware in the environment, have meaningful engagement and accept
empowerment to create significant impact.

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LESSON TWO: Definition of Community Across Different Perspectives
1. 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 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.

2. 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.

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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.
3. 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.

4. Institutional Perspective
This perspective views society like that of a human body. It highlights that society is made up of
different parts that play its respective role in the community-building initiatives. These parts are called
institutions – responsible for social arrangements such as values, customs, and norms in the
community.
The institutional perspective views the community in three different dimensions.
FIRST DIMENSION - It is an existing establishment or physical space where members of the
community go for a certain purpose.
SECOND DIMENSION - It is the institutional community as a social model. This is defined by
networks and institutions where community group are formed in certain areas such as schools, churches
or companies.
THIRD DIMENSION - Community is composed of the ways people act, interact with each other,
react, and expect each other to act and interact.

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LESSON THREE: Functions of Community
KEY TERMS

• Aspects of Community- these include the structure existing in your community which includes
natural environment to the institutions made by man
• Community- group of people in a particular area who are interacting to one another
• Community Power- the capacity of the community to exercise control over activities and seek
ways to employ available resources
• Influencer- the person with the most influence, who can lead others to achieve a goal or
accomplish a certain task
• Leader- the person who has the responsibility of controlling or taking charge of a particular
group
• Leadership-the process and qualities of command and decisiveness with regard to the necessary
actions that ensure the welfare of the community
• Social change- the changes that occur in the social order of a society. These are related to nature,
social institutions, social behavior or social relations, cultural, religious, economics, scientific
or technological forces.

Understanding Community through its Dynamics

Leaders are important figures that will guide the members to carry out the plans in pursuit of the group’s
objectives. The guidance of a good leader in a group ensures the coherence of plans and better
implementation of programs. In the Philippines, the government provides several levels of leadership, from
the president and vice-president, including other government officials at the national and in the local levels
such as mayors, congressmen, and governors. They are appointed based on qualifications, attitude and most
often, through the votes of the residents. It is otherwise known as Formal Power Structure because they
are individuals from whose authority is based on formal rules appointed by the government.
There are also people who are appointed because of their ability to lead, direct or achieve without an official
leadership title. They are known as Informal Power Structure. They are popular to others as influencers
who can lead others with the most influence. Informal power comes, not from an official position, but from
the respect and appreciation one has earned from the members of a group. This respect and appreciation
allow the individual to influence his or her peers in a way that others within the group cannot. Examples
are managers, supervisors, philanthropists, businessmen, producers and even employees who lead their
group as likable and charismatic leaders.
Legal authoritative decision-makers, on the other hand, are individuals or bodies whose authority is based
on formal rules and institutions. They are appointed because of their intelligence, reputations, decision-
making, dictation from laws and policies and connections. Examples are the appointments made by the
president of the country through his/her Powers of Appointment as stated in the constitution or with the
consent of the Commission on Appointments like the heads of the executive departments, board of members
and its leaders from any national government-related institutions, ambassadors, other public ministers and
consuls, etc.
The aforementioned (3) power dynamics are part of individual dimensions of community
which could be:

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1. Interrelationship- community leaders are with direct relation with you through familial relations,
affinities or feeling of kinship, and social network, and
2. Organization- they could be part of an institution or an association, that has a particular purpose in our
community.

Understanding the Community through its Structures

Awareness of the essential aspects of the community is necessary in aiding the residents to reflect on ways
to be positively involved in its improvement. The poet John Donne famously said, “No man is an island,”
referring to humanity’s interconnectedness and the belief that humans are always social beings.
Being aware of the structure of the community and exploring its aspects will help you understand the
necessary measures that should be undertaken to serve as an active member of a community and as future
leaders of the community. The following are the aspects of community and the factors to explore.
1. Local Politics
• Structure of government
• Decision-making power and control
• Major issues currently in debate
2. Demographics
• Population size (total number of people)
• Population density (ratio of people to the space they inhabit)
• Heterogeneity (the extent to which community members have diverse characteristics)
• Ethnic groups
• Names given to various parts of the community
• Areas known for having their own characteristics (ex: industrial area, blue collar
families)
• Isolation from or closeness to other communities
• History of the area
• Changes and development of the area
3. Geography and environmental influence
• the community’s physical environment
• the community’s location and proximity to highways, bodies of water or mountains
• existence of recreational areas concerns regarding environment hazards such as
pollution, power shortages, among others

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4. Beliefs and Attitudes
• cultural values, traditions and beliefs of various segments of the population
• spiritual and political values of the residents
• available social agencies and the help they can extend
• perceptions of residents as part of the community.
5. Local economy and businesses
• businesses, factories and other sources of employment that characterize the community
• nature of business (owned by local residents or government)
6. Income distribution
• public assistance benefits available to residents
• median income level of residents
• income levels and corresponding percentage of population.
7. Housing
• housing conditions
• population density
• types of housing
• ownership and status of houses (rental, real estate, etc)
8. Educational facilities and programs
• education system
• extent of community support
• existence of public and private schools
• adherence to intended curriculum of the Department of Education
• attention to special population (e.g., children with special needs) and to cultural
differences.
• extent to which education brings out the best in the children (participation in competitions,
profile of graduates, training students holistically)
• adequate preparation for adults to enter the labor force
9. Health and Welfare Systems
• adequate numbers of health professionals and specialists
• social service programs

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• respect of service providers to the needs and values of minority populations
• availability of fire and police protection
• safety of the environment
• the residents’ view on public safety and justice system.
10. Sources of information and public opinion
• presence of TV and radio stations and newspapers which provide the people information
and perspectives on current events
• community organizations’ capacity to update residents on important information
• the capacity of the sources of information to enhance the residents’ skills to promote
positive change
• the presence of community leaders who speak for various marginalized subgroups.

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LESSON FOUR: Typologies of Community
KEY TERMS

• Formal Community- characterized by institutionally structured hierarchies, which define the

relationship between authoritative and subordinate actors and groups.
• Global Community- characterized by integration and interaction between individuals and groups
away from each other in time or space or both.
• Informal Community- seen to typically operate through socio-cultural mechanisms within the
community structures.
• Local Community- characterized by close social integration and physical proximity. Moreover, it
is defined as a group of people sharing the same environment and conditions such as intent, belief,
resources, preferences, needs and risks.
• Rural Community- characterized as pastoral, agricultural, and located along the periphery of urban
centers or in the countryside.
• Typology- a classification according to general type. In this module, this refers to the types of
community.
• Urban Community- described as industrialized and commercial centers where population density
is relatively high compared to rural communities.

Formal and Informal Communities

FORMAL COMMUNITIES

• The group is created as per official authority, fulfill certain goals or objectives
• The group possesses a systematic hierarchical structure
• The position of the member defines his/her importance in the group
• There is professional relationship among members
• The flow of communication is restricted due to the chain of command

INFORMAL COMMUNITIES

• The group is formed according to the likes, interests, and attitudes of the members
• The group has a loose structure, and the members join to satisfy their social needs
• Every member is important as any other member
• There is a personal relationship among members
• The flow of communication stretches in all directions

Social Space is defined as a physical or virtual space which members of the community visit or where they
stay. Some examples of social space include the social center, online social media, or other gathering spaces
where people gather or interact. Some social spaces are owned by the government, such as town squares,
parks, and beaches. These are spaces generally open and accessible to people. Private social spaces, on the

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other hand, are owned and regulated regularly, such as shopping malls. These social spaces may be used by
community residents for their gatherings or simple recreation activities.

Rural and Urban Communities

Communities may be located in either rural or urban areas. These areas have distinct characteristics.

The following are the three general characteristics of rural areas:

a. Population density is found to be low, meaning few people populate the entire community, and they tend
to live far apart from each other.
b. The area is situated geographically distant from larger urban areas.
c. Each area typically specializes in a particular form of livelihood, such as farming.

Characteristics of urban areas are as follows:

a. There is higher population density, with more diverse subgroups (ethnic, racial cultural, age, sexual
orientation)
b. Various industries and businesses are found in the areas.
c. A large portion of people lived in rented apartments or homes.
d. Transportation is readily available although this may be costly
e. Urban areas are highly developed with many buildings and structures
f. Traffic and noise levels are high in these areas
g. The large population gives rise to close interactions among many people as well as more intense political
involvement among citizens.
There are also various sectors in different communities. Community sectors are various groups or
subdivisions of the larger community divided based on characteristics such as political, economic, cultural,
and religious beliefs. The various sectors that exist in all communities may be categorized according to the
following sectors with their inclusions:
1. Health
-medical and mental health professionals; pharmacists and pharmacies; hospitals and other in-patient
facilities, clinics, non-traditional health practitioners; public health agencies and systems
2. Education
- public and private preschools, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, school committees, school
administrators, teachers, other educational institution employees; parents, students, state board of
education; adult basic education (ABE) and English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) programs

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3. Law Enforcement
-the local and state police, the court system- judges, probation officers, prosecutors, court appointed
defense lawyers, court-mandated program for offenders.
4. Government
- regional, provincial, state, local, and tribal government bureaucracies, agencies, and officials, both elected
and appointed.
5. Business
- from the self-employed carpenter to the multinational corporation with a local facility.
6. Youth
- youth themselves (generally viewed as ages 18 and younger) and those who work directly with them
(youth violence prevention and outreach programs, Big Brother/Big Sister, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs,
scouting, etc.) parents, human service, culture, and sports/recreation sectors.
7. The Media
- newspapers and magazines, radio, and TV, vast array of blogs, videos, online news, and other materials
available on the internet.
8. Human Services
- non-profit professional and volunteer organizations that provide free and affordable services such as job
training, food, shelter, elder services, services for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, support
and advocacy for immigrants, among others.
9. Religion
- places of worship and their members, religious organizations (e.g. Knights of Columbus, CBCP) of all
faiths, may include the hierarchy of a national church as well (a Roman Catholic archbishop, for instance)
10. Service/Fraternal Organization
- the Lions, Masons, Rotary, Kiwanis, and other local and national or international service organizations,
college fraternities/sororities or other local and national social clubs, as well veterans’ organizations and
the like.
11. Community Activist Volunteer Groups
- individuals for or against political issue, supportive of existing institutions (“Friends of” the local park, a
school playground volunteer corps), oriented toward economics (groups that volunteer to help non-profit
and small business owners with financial and business plans), or more generally concerned with the quality
of community life (e.g. organizers of community festivals)
12. Culture
- artists such as musicians, dancers and choreographers, writer, actors and directors, designers and visual
artists, as well as arts organizations, theaters, orchestras, museums, galleries, and those who work as support
staff in the arts- stagehands, cameramen, electricians, set builders, etc. regular consumers and supporters of
the arts.

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13. Housing Development
- both public and private non-profit housing agencies and organizations that provide rent subsidies and/or
affordable housing, as well as developers who build market-rate and upscale residential and commercial
properties.
-may include everyone from fair housing advocates to those who own and/ or manage urban real estate
worth millions of pesos.
14. Sports and Recreation
- sports clubs, town or county recreation departments, amateur and professional athletic associations, public
and private sports and recreation facilities, gyms, coaches, personal trainers, recreation leaders, and camp
directors, as well those who participate in these groups as athletes, spectators, or supporters.
15. The Environment
- individual environmentalists, international, national, and local environmental organizations, conservation
land trusts, recreational hunters and fishermen, rock climbers and mountaineers, wildlife biologists and
botanists, ecologists, hikers, canoers/kayakers, and other outdoor people, hydrologists (water specialists),
those who make a living from a pristine or carefully-managed environment.
16. Agriculture
- confined to rural areas, may also include dairy farmers, cheesemakers, winemakers and vineyards, and
food processors and packers, including all consumers of the food produced.

Local and Global Communities

A local community is characterized by close social integration and physical proximity. Moreover, a local
community is defined as a group of people sharing the same environment and conditions intent, belief,
resources, preferences, and needs and risks. These factors may affect the identities of the individuals as well
as the community’s degree of cohesiveness.
In addition, a local community may consist of business operators, public agency staff, residents with
interactions that may include sharing of resources, information, and assistance. Commercial relationships
may also be present between local businesses and consumers.
The global community, on the other hand, is a system characterized by integration and interaction between
individuals and groups away from each other in time or space or both. The word “global” refers to the
nation of the world considered closely connected by modern telecommunication, though they are
economically, socially and politically independent (Sebastian, 2009, and dictionary.com)
The domains and certain aspects of the local and global communities intertwine. Establishments, programs,
and other events that started in the local setup may eventually grow to have a global presence, such as the
Jollibee fast food chain. Proposed plans and programs in the local community, when implemented
successfully, may reach the global community, and gain traction there as well such as outreach activities,
programs during calamities etc.

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