Prethodno priopćenje

https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.1.1

The Concept of Local Community in the Contemporary Postmodern Context. A Sociological Approach

Matea Milak ; Institut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
Krešimir Peračković orcid.org/0000-0003-2915-7223 ; Institut društvenih znanosti Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia

Sažetak

The paper explores the concept of local community from a sociological perspective, beginning with Tönnies’ classic definition of community (German: Gemeinschaft) as a fundamental form of human social interaction. This definition helps clarify the distinguishing characteristics, roles, and functions of community in contrast to those of society (German: Gesellschaft). The primary objective is to examine the contemporary meaning of the term »local community,« identify its defining features, and assess whether it aligns more closely with the classical notion of community or represents a type of spatially connected individualism that mirrors the characteristics of society according to Tönnies’ typology. Initially, the paper presents an overview of the concept of community as understood in both classical and contemporary sociological frameworks, encompassing traditional rural communities as primary local communities and modern urban neighbourhoods. The concept of a parish as a parish community, encompassing characteristics of both traditional and contemporary local communities, is also considered. Particular attention is given to the characteristics of postmodern communities, which are defined by a sense of identity or belonging and often lack geographical connections. The subsequent section delves into virtual communities and investigates the influence of information technology on local community activities. In this context, social interactions manifest not only in the physical realm but also in virtual spaces, leading to the formation of hybrid communities. Finally, the paper concludes with a comparative framework outlining the essential features and types of communities: traditional, modern/urban, postmodern, virtual, and hybrid.

Ključne riječi

local communities; community and society; postmodern communities; virtual communities; hybrid communities

Hrčak ID:

330357

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/330357

Datum izdavanja:

25.4.2025.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 992 *