Chapter 5, Understanding Communities , is about community theory, perspectives and practice models. The three dimensions of communities are geographical space, a pattern of social interaction, and symbolic identification that gives meaning to one’s identity. The functions of a community are 1) production distribution, and consumption 2) socialization 3) social control 4) social placement 5) mutual support 6) defense and 7) communication.
The book goes pretty in depth on systems theory; a community is open rather than a closed system and it is dependent on its external environment for certain resources and a community must establish the boundaries that define both it and its function within the surrounding environment. Changes in one aspect of community, produces change in other parts (which we hear a lot in micro classes).
Human behavior theories focus on how individuals in a community understand and find meaning in relationships, what values guide their actions, and how their needs are determined; this can be examined through interactions and values, collective identity, and needs.
Theories about power politics and change mean that local communities and units within local communities become dependent on external sources of resources.
The book touches on a community practice model, but we won’t read about that until chapters 9,10, & 11.
My favorite part of this chapter was the part about systems theory. At the beginning of the chapter it states, “Many people identify with multiple communities,” and “ For many, affiliation with more than one community is an intrinsic part of who a person is.” Just because a person lives somewhere, works somewhere, belongs to a group etc., it doesn’t mean that little piece makes up all of that person. It’s extremely important to remember that as future social workers.
Kate, you are right we here all about systems theory in other social work classes at the micro level; working directly with individuals and families. However, this is my first time looking at the systems theory and applying it at the macro level. I thought it was beneficial how the book broke the systems theory down from a macro prospective, from beginning (by saying that communities are open systems, establishing roles and bounders) to the end. I did not realize how similar it would be to applying the systems theory language to families. When looking at how communities function through the lenses of the systems theory it is clear that in order for a community to function properly the community along with all of their outside resources must be in on the same page as to what is expected; which is also true at the micro level. As I continue to learn more about social work practice at the macro level, I am become more and more interested in working with more than just individuals and families.
ReplyDeleteSeveral things jumped out at me when I was reading this chapter. The first was when the author was discussing defining a community. They mention that "residents that reside in a poor inner-city neighborhood may be a part of the same larger community as those who live in posh high-rise penthouses". I could not help but to compare this to St. Louis City especially with all the new loft developments that have been developed over the past few years. As I was leaving JVL on Saturday I looked around and saw vacant houses and buildings and homes that are lived in but need repair but just a few streets down there is a huge difference in the life that is lived as evidenced by the area around The Fox and SLU.
ReplyDeleteThe second was when systems theory was being discussed and the author mentions catastrophic analogy. This sounds very much like what is occurring in Ferguson. Another theory mentioned is resource mobilization theory which again sounds very much like what is occurring in Ferguson. Both of these discuss unrest within the community which has led to protests and at times violence due to a conflict or feeling unheard.
Awesome job Kate with your blog. For me, this chapter brought out a lot of recongnition and acknowledgement as far as how I viewed communiities on a macro level. Like Lori indicated it is amazing how some people or groups and not connected and not even realize it.
ReplyDeleteSome things I took most from this reading was reading about the self-help groups. I think that self-help groups are great because those individuls are noticing.."okay, I have a problem, I need help...I cannot do this alone". The targeted population is identified and they work together to reach a common goal for self embetterment.
I was surprised that "Defense" is the in which the community takes care of itself. I never realized how whole communities could be defensive however, it makes sense because they are trying to protect one another...kind of like a family. I immediatedly thought about Ferguson and the commotion that has been taken place there and how some residents have become defensive to protect one another. When I was at the town hall meeting I saw a lot of people pulling together whether their views were different because they felt connected in some way and they were all connected because they all wanted to be heard and wanted change.
Fashon, I thought the same thing when reading that. I think it is amazing that people that did not know each other prior to the Michael Brown shooting have gotten so close since the shooting happened. I am always amazed at how tragedy pulls people together.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what both Fashon and Ashley said, it is interesting how events bring groups of people together. With regards to the current protests, the issues they are protesting have been present in this city for several decades, but it took a tragedy to bring people together to recognize it.
ReplyDeleteThe quotes Kate mentioned from the reading were also interesting to me because while I have lived in the same neighborhood my entire life it would probably be the last community on my list. This is because I don't believe the area I live in has impacted me as much as being a member of UMSL or my religion has. I think when people hear the term community they immediately think of the area you live in, not communities such as school or clubs.