Sociological ConceptsStudy Unit 2

By C. Settley

Society defined page 8 in reader

organisational system within which man gives expression to his social nature by interaction with his fellow men.

group of human beings who interact with one

major interests which usually include self-maintenance

Characteristics of a society page 8 in reader

Definite territory Continuity of relationships A functioning group Sexual reproduction A comprehensive culture Independence

Community defined Is part of a society. A subgroup with many of the

characteristics of society. But is restricted to certain groups within

the larger society. It is the smallest group with a common /

shared way of life.

Characteristics of a Commuinity page 8 in reader

A common territory Special bonds of unit Community feeling Provision of institutions & organisations

Interaction between urban and Rural areasChapter 5, page 10 in reader

Interaction in the country takes place to a greater or lesser degree depending on factors such as distance, rivers, mountains etc. nature of soil and availability of raw materials.

Town is supplied with raw materials from the country. Finished articles which are made in town from these

raw materials are supplied to town markets There is always interaction between urban and rural There’s more social interaction between rural and

urban due to the development of roads, motor and air transport, there’s more social interaction

Interaction between urban and Rural areasContinued

People from towns can more easily visit urban areas and vice versa

Fast disapearance of the old rural community, which was isolated, static and tradition bound, amongst the whites

Black population from the rural take some time before the impact of towns will be felt

The development of boarder industries is bringing urbanisation to more of the black people than in the past.

Figure 1: A simplified view of the urban-rural interrelationship.(Graphic: Stig Enemark.)

Urban and Rural areas

Urban area Rural area

Main differences page 12 in reader

Rural (country)

More homogenous Personal relationships are more

real Far more social control,

customary norms Less social mobility Less changes in the rural area

with regard to political and religious affiliations

Rural areas show more stability and generally more conservatism

Less diversity of occupations Higher birth rate Lower divorce rate Lower suicide rate

Urban (town)

Heterogenes (mixed) Status plays a big role in

townfewer personal relationships in town

Low social control. Social mobility higher, more fluid Political &religious affiliations are

viewed with more tolerance. More social change. Greater diversity of occupations. Lower birth rate Higher divorce rate Higher suicide rate

Why is the knowledge of rural and urban communities important to the nurse?DISCUSSION

(See reader, page 13)

Informal settlementsFactors contributing to informal settlements

Depopulation of the platteland and the Rapid urbanisation, Lack of work in the rural areas Hope/belief that things will be better in the

town When they arrive they find there is no

housing, usually no work. Leads to poverty / unemployment.

Factors contributing to informal settlementsContinued

Lack of education and skills for what work might be available.

These people find an area of vacant land and start to build some form of shelter with bits of wood, plastic, odd pieces of corrugated iron and other buildings materials they can find

Almost overnight there is a squatter camp, eg Joe Slovo in Langa, Cape Town

Physical, psychological and social consequences of informal settlements Usually no water, no sanitation facilities , no health services

- the scene is set for health problems. Also as a result of overcrowding, lack of disposal of refuse,

no proper shelter, especially bad in Western Cape Winter colds, no work, no food.

Local municipalities have a very difficult problem trying to cope with health hazards of such situations

Including epidemics, many sick children, street children, etc. Some areas there are more squatter huts than conventional

houses Planned informal settlements – at least some from of

communal water supply and some type of sanitation is arranged. Mobile clinics supply some from of health service.

References Stig Enemark University of Aalborg,

Denmark. Retrieved on 07/08/2014 on website: http://www.fig.net/pub/figpub/pub33/figpub33.htm

http://blackbusinessnow.com/author/gillian-nanton/