Part A (Q2): Discuss the meaning and Characteristics of Community.

Meaning of Community

In sociology, a community refers to a group of people living in a specific geographical area, sharing common interests, interacting with each other, and possessing a sense of belonging or shared identity (often referred to as "we-feeling").

Characteristics of a Community

1. Definite Locality: A community occupies a specific physical or geographical area. People living together in a shared space develop social ties.
2. Community Sentiment (We-Feeling): Members have a sense of belonging and loyalty to the community. They identify with the group and share common emotions and psychological bonds.
3. Natural Growth: Communities usually grow spontaneously over time; they are not artificially or deliberately created by a sudden decree (unlike a formal organization or an NGO).
4. Permanence: A community is relatively permanent. It is not a transient crowd or a temporary gathering.
5. Common Life: Members share a common way of life, including shared language, traditions, customs, and daily routines.
6. Wider Ends: A community is not formed for one specific, narrow goal (like a business corporation). It encompasses a broad range of human needs and activities, providing a holistic environment for its members to live their lives.