COMMUNITY

The term community has several uses, within the psychological field and in the study of society . In the scope of these studies, a community is defined as a set of human beings who have traits in common .

These elements that make a community have an identity are mainly a language, a system of values and customs. It also refers to ecological and biological communities, made up of living beings that interact with each other and with the environment.

Depending on the discipline, as well as the perspective with which this topic is approached, a meaning is chosen that adapts to each of the disciplines in which this term is most used. There is a specific definition for each of these cases.

Community concept

Etymologically, community is a term that has its origin in the Latin language, specifically in the word “ communitas ”. This was a word that was used to refer to the coexistence between people who have the same interests, but are also governed by the same rules. This is one of the meanings that are preserved today.

A community is defined as a group made up of individuals who have common aspects that can be of different nature. It is a concept applied to both human and animal groups, individuals alike share related characteristics such as language , beliefs, values ​​and customs.

In psychology and sociology, the concept of community makes it possible to refer to groups of people who have the same objective . In addition, they maintain the same characteristics that arise spontaneously but not voluntarily.

This is a term that can be applied in different areas. In the case of ecology, a community a is a set of living beings that are occupying the same habitat .

A community can be formed around different types of elements, which nevertheless maintain similarities. Therefore, they have the same identity and in turn can be subdivided into smaller communities .

A community can be a set of beings that are linked by living in the same geographic area . In addition, important relationships are established with respect to activities such as eating and organizing recreational activities.

What are the characteristics of a community?

A community has a number of unique characteristics. Some of them may not fit the characteristics of some types of communities , however, they are present in most cases. The most common features are listed below:

• A community has cultural aspects that are demonstrated through the same types of customs and rituals .
• The coexistence between the members happens within a geographical area or space that is delimited .
• All members of the same community share a common language . Your bag is essential because it allows communication between them.
• They are organized around a common goal .
• Cultural characteristics are communal values . They are expressed through the same vision of the world , it is also imparted through an education that depends on the transmission from one generation to another.
• The communities maintain contact with other groups with whom they constantly interact.
• Within the communities relationships are generated in which a hierarchical system is established . However, it is also possible to find examples in which the members consider that they are equal.

How are the different types of community classified?

Each type of community has a series of characteristics that make it easily identifiable. These are classified according to certain aspects associated with the type of social relationship that is generated between its members.

The type of activity, goals, values ​​and ideals that govern the community are also taken into consideration . The most common are described below:

• The religious communities are the groups in which events and rites are performed centered on a particular cult. People maintain bonds in which they share a life in common whose main goal is faith. The Catholic, Protestant, Anglican and missionary communities are some of these.
• A scientific community is made up of individuals who are responsible for conducting science-related research and practices. Interactions and links are maintained among its members that influence and motivate each other. But they do not depend to be able to elaborate new hypotheses. They settle down and exchange ideas mainly.
• An educational community is made up of people who are involved with the activities inherent with an academic institution, such as a college or university. Within the same community, a hierarchical order is established in which the authorities with the greatest power are the principals followed by the teachers and students.
• A rural community is made up of individuals who live and coexist within a field area far from the city. It is characterized by activities such as agriculture and livestock. Living conditions are generally more precarious when compared to cities, in the latter electricity and drinking water are common factors.
• A biological community is constituted from not only animals of different species, but also plants, microorganisms, fungi and other common elements in ecosystems are integrated into it. Even human beings are included.

Examples of communities 

Most communities are organized according to one main purpose. In this way all members combine their efforts, share passions and experiences, as well as needs. This is how the chances of being able to achieve any purpose increase.

In this case, the best example is found in artistic communities made up of students and established artists . These tend to influence others within the same geographic space. As a result, an exchange of ideas is observed that remains active and is organized to provide benefits to all equally.

At present, the way in which communities are organized takes into consideration technological aspects. This is how discussion forums arise on the internet, these are good examples of virtual communities. Information and experiences that can be pleasant are shared. They also allow you to maintain a connection by sharing the same interests and ideas .

Another good example of community is found at the international level . The global community is made up of all the nations of the world, each of them has an official diplomatic representative . In this way, negotiations are carried out which seek mutual benefit.