LESSON 4: TYPOLOGIES OF COMMUNITY
Terms to Learn (VOCABULARY)
• 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.
Topic 3: 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.
LESSON 5: VALUE OF UNDERTAKING COMMUNITY ACTION MODALITIES
Value of Undertaking Community Action Modalities:
1. Empowering Communities:
Community action empowers individuals to take control of their lives, fostering
leadership and encouraging participation in decision-making processes.
2. Effective Problem-Solving:
Local communities have a deep understanding of their unique challenges. By
engaging directly, they create tailored solutions that are more sustainable and
effective.
3. Building Social Capital:
Community action strengthens interpersonal relationships and trust, creating
networks of support that enhance resilience and collective well-being.
4. Promoting Social Justice:
These actions advocate for equity by addressing issues like poverty, discrimination,
and lack of access to resources, pushing for systemic changes to promote fairness.
5. Improving Quality of Life:
Collective efforts often result in tangible benefits like better public services, improved
safety, and enhanced public spaces, which raise the overall standard of living.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: (Read to understand more)
1. Empowering Communities
What It Means: Community action gives people the opportunity to take control of
issues affecting their lives. It encourages local leadership and enables members to
voice their concerns and be part of the decision-making process.
Why It’s Valuable: When individuals feel empowered, they develop a stronger sense
of agency. This leads to greater confidence and willingness to participate in civic
duties, which helps to create more proactive and resilient communities.
Empowerment reduces dependency on external forces and promotes self-reliance.
Example: A neighborhood forming a committee to address safety concerns, thereby
influencing local policy and improving security measures.
2. Effective Problem-Solving
What It Means: Communities have firsthand experience with the issues they face,
such as housing, education, or environmental problems. By working together, they
can design solutions that are specifically suited to their context.
Why It’s Valuable: Tailored solutions are more likely to succeed because they
address the real needs of the people involved. This type of problem-solving tends to
be more sustainable because it incorporates local knowledge and resources, making
interventions practical and relevant.
Example: Residents organizing a cleanup program for a local park, leading to
ongoing efforts to maintain it, because they understand its value to their community.
3. Building Social Capital
What It Means: Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and trust that
people build within a community. Community action brings people together,
fostering collaboration and mutual support.
Why It’s Valuable: When people know and trust each other, they are more likely to
cooperate in future projects, offer help in times of need, and share resources. This
interconnectedness strengthens the community’s ability to respond to challenges,
both big and small.
Example: Neighbors regularly coming together for events, such as fundraisers or
block parties, which helps build lasting bonds and makes the community more
united.
4. Promoting Social Justice
What It Means: Many community actions focus on advocating for equal access to
resources, rights, and opportunities. This includes addressing issues like inequality,
discrimination, and access to essential services.
Why It’s Valuable: By pushing for change on a local level, communities can influence
broader social policies. This can lead to more equitable distribution of resources and
improved conditions for marginalized or underserved groups.
Example: A group of community members lobbying for better access to healthcare in
underserved neighborhoods, leading to the establishment of a new health clinic.
5. Improving Quality of Life
What It Means: Community action often results in tangible improvements to public
services, infrastructure, and social cohesion. These changes directly benefit the day-
to-day lives of community members.
Why It’s Valuable: Whether it’s through beautifying a public space, improving safety,
or enhancing local services, community action improves overall well-being. A better
environment leads to increased satisfaction and pride in the community.
Example: A community initiative to start a local farmer's market, providing access to
fresh produce and fostering economic growth in the area.
Lesson 6: The Interrelationship of Self and Community in Community
Action
1. Mutual Benefit:
What It Means: The individual (self) and the community are interconnected, meaning
actions taken by individuals impact the whole community, and the community, in turn,
influences the individual.
Why It Matters: Individuals who engage in community action often experience
personal growth, while their efforts help to uplift the broader community. This creates
a cycle of positive reinforcement, where both the self and the community benefit.
2. Identity and Belonging:
What It Means: People derive part of their identity from the communities they belong
to. Community action strengthens this bond, as individuals feel more connected and
responsible for the well-being of their community.
Why It Matters: A strong sense of belonging motivates individuals to contribute more
to community efforts. This, in turn, leads to a more cohesive and resilient community.
3. Shared Goals and Collective Well-Being:
What It Means: When individuals take part in community action, they align their
personal goals with the collective needs of the community. This creates a sense of
purpose and direction, as personal and community interests become intertwined.
Why It Matters: The success of the community becomes the success of the individual,
fostering a shared commitment to improving everyone’s well-being.
4. Empowerment and Responsibility:
What It Means: Engaging in community action empowers individuals by giving them
a sense of responsibility. As individuals contribute to the community, they gain
confidence, skills, and influence, which strengthens both personal and communal
capacities.
Why It Matters: Empowered individuals are more likely to take initiative in addressing
communal challenges, creating a culture of shared responsibility and collective
problem-solving.
