Defining Attributes of Communities

Communities can consist of: Geographic areas. People with common interests or problems. People with common values, hopes and expectations. People who perform common tasks or jobs. People who identify with a particular community. Patterns of social interaction and networks.

Communities that function well together have a sense of “collective identity” or belonging to the community. In very alienated communities, organizers work to establish a sense of community identity and inclusion.

All communities are defined by rules of inclusion & exclusion or boundaries : Geographic barriers or markers Social/demographic identity Common problems Inclusion in political districts Participation in informal groups or networks Linkages between groups & organizations/organization membership

Factors that set communities apart from one another include Degree of geographic/social isolation and/or segregation Ethnic group composition Employment/Industry/Education Class composition and power Informal and formal networks Presence of service organizations and businesses Concentration of poverty Links with organizations outside the community

Most organizers use a social structuralist viewpoint to explain urban poverty. This theory is derived from conflict theory. Suggests that poverty is associated with institutional racism and high unemployment in some industries and regions. The powerless and those who don’t vote are most likely to be poor. Theories about poverty most often applied to urban, African American communities.

For example: Wilson (1990) describes urban poverty among African Americans in urban areas: African American men have lost industrial jobs. Many African American men are in jail or in the military Consequently, there are few “marriageable” African American men and many African American women in poverty. These high poverty rates are associated with high school drop out rates, poor schools in urban areas, and single parenting. Many middle income African Americans and businesses have left inner city communities. There are few role models for kids and few informal networks. These demoralized communities are characterized by high drug abuse rates and violence.

Criticisms of Wilson Doesn’t necessarily apply to other ethnic communities or rural areas. Focuses on weaknesses rather than community strengths. Use to justify weed and seed community development approaches which try to remove problem residents from low income communities.

How would you characterize communities in the Central Valley in terms of: Poverty rates and Unemployment Social Problems such as Teen Pregnancy and Substance Abuse Geographic isolation and segregation Industries Socially Stigmatized or Oppressed Populations Groups that Hold Power

Community assessment in low income urban & rural communities Assessment Factors UrbanRural IsolationMan-made barriers isolate community Rivers and mountains isolate area SegregationUsually high, but there may be many low income groups in the area Physical segregation can be low unless geography isolates some groups. However, there may be high levels of ethnic, class, and economic isolation Substance Abuse, Gangs, & other Social Problems Usually high unless community has organized Often higher in isolated, rural communities Use of informal networks Varies depending on level of alienation; exchange of noncash items Geographic isolation may limit use; more reliance on bartering Use of social service agencies Depends on location of organizations Very low; no transportation; no agencies in area

Study guide for the Castro How was the community defined in the film? What factors contributed to the transition of this neighborhood from "working class Irish" to a primarily gay, white, male community? Was there a shared culture among residents of this neighborhood? What cultural symbols were identified in the film? What factors from outside the community contributed to a sense of group or community solidarity? Did any social movements or cultural phenomena contribute to the development of group identity or social norms in this community? How did community residents gain political power in the City of San Francisco? What social groups were excluded from participation in the life of this community? How did the AIDS epidemic contribute to the development of a sense of community identity and the creation of community institutions?