SHS

Community Engagement,
Solidarity and Citizenship
First Quarter – Module 2:
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON
COMMUNITY
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Community Engagement, Solidarity and Citizenship

Quarter 1 – Module 2: Different Perspectives on Community

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represent nor claim ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Ma. Marsha D. Navarro - Jeresano

Evaluator: Juan E. Esperida

Editor: Divina M. Diaz, Ph.D.

Fatima D. Doma

Illustrator: John Paul D. Figueras

Layout Artist:

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TITLE/ INTRODUCTION

Think about this…

What is your definition of community?

How can we create solidarity within community?

What are your perspectives in understanding

the community?

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 Can you think of words that would define your understanding of what

community is based from the pool of words above? Ponder on it. Do you think these

words are enough to explain the dynamics of community?

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.

In this module, we are going to be familiarized with the different

definitions of community along different perspectives! Let us get started. 😊

OBJECTIVES
Define using various pers
pectives 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.

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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

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.

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 Let’s ponder on 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. _________________ - _______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

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:

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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

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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

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social movement.

https://www.google.com/search?q=caritas+manila+donation+for+covid&tbm=isch&hl=en -
GB&chips=q:caritas+manila+donation+for+covid,online_chips:poor+families&hl=en GB&ved=2ahUKEwjSuJzH9s7qAhVFUpQKHV0OAn8Q4lYoAnoECAEQGA&biw=1159&bih=589#imgrc=2kahTPVU77Jg7M

Local and Grassroots Perspectives

This perspective highlights volunteerism. Members of communities may

involve themselves in various programs or activities. The community uses

selforganization 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

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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.

https://redcross.org.ph

PRACTICE TASK 1

Fill-up the table below. Write the discipline in social sciences, its definition and

its role in the study of community.

Discipline Definition Role in the Community

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Institutional Perspective

The institutional perspective views the community in three different

dimensions.

Study the diagram below:

FIRST
DIMENSION It is an existing establishment or physical space
where members of the community go for a certain
purpose.

It is the institutional community as a social model.

SECOND This is defined by networks and institutions where
community group are formed in certain areas such as
DIMENSION 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.

PRACTICE TASK 2

What is the institutional perspective?

___________________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

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

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

How do you think each dimension relates to each other?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

In the second dimension, it is considered as the social model. What do you

understand in this dimension?

_________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
Cite an existing present situation wherein the social model is evident. Explain.

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE TASK 3

Have you ever tried volunteering yourself for humanitarian reasons? How

was your experience? If not, would you want to be part of this endeavor?

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 Why? Why not?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Based on different perspectives of community, cite three

communities that you have been part with, stating their goals.

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

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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.

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 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.

ANSWER KEY

PRE-TEST

- Answers will vary

PRCATICE TASK 1,2,3

- Answers will vary

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 POST-TEST

1. Volunteerism

2. Sociology

3. Instituitonal

4. Social Model

5. Psychology

6. Community

7. Grassroots

8. Economics

9. Communitarianism

10. Affective Model

Semorlan, Semorlan; Community Dynamics and Community Action, “Community,

Engagement Solidarity and Citizenship”
Accessed July 3, 2020, https://redcross.org.ph
Accessed July 3, 2020, https://google.search//cliparts/socialsciences
Accessed July 6, 2020, https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/anthropology.html
Accessed July 6, 2020, https://cliparts.zone/sociology-cliparts

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Accessed July 6, 2020, http://clipart-library.com/psychology-cliparts.html
Accessed July 8, 2020, http://clipart-library.com/economics-cliparts.html
Accessed July 8, 2020,
https://www.google.com/search?q=caritas+manila+donation+for+covid&tbm=isch&hl=en-
Accessed July 10, 2020,
GB&chips=q:caritas+manila+donation+for+covid,online_chips:poor+families&hl=en-
Accessed July 10, 2020,
GB&ved=2ahUKEwjSuJzH9s7qAhVFUpQKHV0OAn8Q4lYoAnoECAEQGA&biw=1159&bih=
589#imgrc=2kahTPVU77Jg7M

Accessed July 15, 2020, https://www.unv.org/volunteerism/power-volunteerism

Cover photo credit: Melody D. Legaspi (Rizal Integrated National School, Sorsogon City)

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