Q1. Explain the concept of community and discuss its characteristics. What do you understand by “Communities of Need” and “Communities of Practice”?
- Community: A group with shared identity, interests, and interaction, exhibiting social cohesion.
- Characteristics include belonging, shared interests, social interaction, and mutual aid.
- Geographical location is often a characteristic, but virtual communities exist.
- Communities of Need: Groups united by shared problems, vulnerabilities, or lack of resources.
Answer: The concept of 'community' is fundamental to social work and community development, representing a group of people bound together by various factors. As typically outlined in MHC-002, a community is not merely a collection of individuals but a dynamic entity characterized by shared experiences, interactions, and a sense of belonging. It can be defined geographically, by common interests, or by shared identity, evolving over time. From a sociological perspective, a community is understood as a ...