The reading uses Warren’s definition of community which is, “the organization of social activities that affords people access to what is necessary for day-to-day living, such as the school, grocery store, hospital, house of worship, and other such social units and systems.”
The introduction outlines common concepts related to defining a community. These are: space, people, interaction, and shared identity. A community has specific dimensions as outlined in Fellin’s Dimensions of Communities. These include: Geographical Space, a pattern of social interaction, and symbolic identification that gives meaning to one’s identity.
The reading also covers numerous theories being applied to communities. One theory discussed is the systems theory. This can be used for a deeper understanding of the functioning of a community by assessing boundaries and maintenance needs within the community. One strength in this theory is addresses the fact that changes in one aspect of a community produces changes in other aspects in the community. One weakness cited to this theory is that it does not consider disagreements and deep divisions that may be present in the community. It is for this reason that assumptions about common purposes can be ignored using systems theory.
Systems theory is a great way to map out connections and relationships within a community. This leads to the section on capacity building and asset mapping. Recognizing informal units that are not publicly incorporated is and important aspect of capacity building and asset mapping. These informal units are often the backbone to the community and should be recognized when discovering strengths and opportunities for support within the community.
What do you like in your community? What aspects might you change?
These questions made me recognize that I don't have a "community" in Saint Louis outside of work and class interactions. I hope to build some relationships in JVL & the West End through assigned activities, but immersing yourself into a community to the point that it is a personal identifier takes time. I think of the homeless population within the city and I think it makes perfect sense why they would opt to reside together in abandoned buildings as opposed to separate in shelters. There is power in knowing you belong somewhere, even if that place or people group is broken.
ReplyDeleteI lived in the Soulard neighborhood for over 11 years, and can tell you the main focus of the association there was in maintaining a hospitable atmosphere for businesses catering to out-of-community drinkers and Mardi Gras partyers. This area was not too great for raising families and was probably a better fit towards young single persons who wanted a robust social life. As a family man, I disagreed about what was important to the area and what was superfluous. As far as the article, I think the fact that systems theory doesn't account for divisions in a community means we must incorporate the other theories for a more complete picture of a neighborhood. These divisions can affect the way a community works together. In the area I live in now, one has only to look at my neighborhood's "Nextdoor" webpage to see various posts where residents disagree with each other about many things.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in the Southwest Gardens neighborhood since moving to St. Louis over 3 years ago. I love the proximity to the Botanical Gardens, Tower Grove Park, and Forest Park. Although there are more renters than home owners, people are still invested in wanting to see this community thrive. I would like to see a community garden start up, as a way to bring neighbors together.
ReplyDeleteI currently live in University City. Growing up our small neighborhood was really close. We watched out for each other and interacted weekly. Over the years our community shift. We have a park in the middle of our community. When I was younger the park was a common place for the community kids to play and parents to interact. However over the years the park is being used for family reunions and other outside sports activities. When someone is renting the park, the community was asked to stay away. Now the community is more divided and we are missing our common meeting place. I use to know and interact with all my neighbors but now we barely know them. Our community is now missing our pattern of social interactions and recreational need to interact, bond, and grow.
ReplyDeleteI live right on the boarder of McKinley Heights/Lafayette Square and generally I really like the area. Both neighborhoods have community gardens, Lafayette Park is beautiful. I generally feel safe, but there does seem to be a fairly recent increase in car break-ins/thefts. The addition of Fields Foods to Lafayette Square is one that I welcome - it's wonderful being able to walk to the grocery store! One thing that I would love to see is more diversity.
ReplyDeleteI live in Tower Grove South. I really love my community. There are many facebook pages which promote neighborhood meetings/gatherings and updates. and they also promote events or specials at local businesses. It is interesting to look at my community using systems theory. I can definitely see where there would be many strengths from this perspective, but I can also see how it is more difficult to point out divisions or problematic areas.
ReplyDeleteNici-I agree. I am still trying to establish myself within a community in St. Louis. Currently, I reside in Florissant. I enjoy the fact that the city is in close proximity to the highway and stores. I am from a small town in Illinois so I am still trying to adjust to living in a large city.
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