M06 In class activity # 3
(individually)
Communities are structured to serve five
purposes (p. 363):
1.
Production, distribution, consumption
(providing the means to make a living)
2.
Socialization
(instilling norms and values through tradition, modeling, and/or formal
education)
3.
Social Control
(enforcing community values through group pressure or formal laws)
4.
Social participation
(fulfills the need for companionship through its neighborhoods,
churches, businesses, etc.)
5.
Mutual support
(supporting cooperation among its members to reach common goals)
Think about your neighborhood as you were growing up. Then, think about these questions:
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How did the people in your neighborhood instill values and norms?
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How did the neighborhood enforce its rules?
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How did people in the neighborhood socialize with one another?
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How did people in the neighborhood help one another?
Would your answers be different if you were talking about your neighborhood today? What is different?
Growing up, the people in my neighborhood instilled values and norms through community events,
traditions, and the guidance of elders. We often gathered for cultural celebrations, and elders shared
their wisdom, shaping our understanding of community expectations.
Enforcement of rules in the neighborhood involved a mix of group pressure and informal monitoring.
There were community meetings to discuss issues, and we had a neighborhood watch system to ensure
safety. Formal mechanisms like community associations also played a role.
Socialization happened through informal gatherings, events, and local institutions like schools and
churches. Playgroups were common, and we had shared spaces where neighbors interacted regularly.
Mutual support was a strong aspect of our neighborhood. Neighbors assisted each other during tough
times, and collaborative efforts for community improvement projects were common.
Considering my neighborhood today, technological influences are evident, with more reliance on digital
communication. The neighborhood has become more diverse, influencing the types of socialization and
support structures. Economic shifts may have changed the types of businesses present, impacting
production and consumption dynamics. Additionally, societal changes, such as increased mobility,
altered family structures, and shifts in cultural values, might have influenced community dynamics.
