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VICSociologyQuick questions
Unit 4: Community, social movements and social change
Quick questions on The sociological concept and characteristics of community: VCE Sociology
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is defining community?Show answer
In sociology, a community is more than people who happen to live near each other. It is a group bound together by shared characteristics and a sense of belonging. The classic sociological distinction, drawn from Ferdinand Tonnies, contrasts close personal ties (Gemeinschaft) with the more impersonal relationships of large modern society (Gesellschaft). Communities sit at the more personal, connected end of that spectrum.
What is characteristics of community?Show answer
Sociologists identify recurring characteristics that mark a true community:
What is types of community?Show answer
Sociologists distinguish several types:
What is community in a changing society?Show answer
Some sociologists argue community has weakened in modern, urbanised, individualistic societies as personal ties give way to impersonal relationships. Others argue community has not disappeared but transformed, especially through online networks and communities of interest. This debate connects directly to social change, the other focus of Unit 4.
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