The Social Science Approach to Sociality and Community

Abstract

Over the last two decades the theme of community has become salient with all manner of political actors. It is present in political discourse in terms like ‘community policing’, ‘community health’ and ‘community care’ and it runs through the speeches and programs of all major politicians¹ and political parties. Concurrently the topic has also shifted to the forefront of social science investigation, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon world which has borne the full brunt of neo-liberalism.

There is no sociological consensus therefore to the meaning, experiential content and behavioural consequences of the primary condition of ‘being with others’. The ways in which that condition can be made sociologically relevant are yet to be fully explored in sociological practice.

(Bauman 2000, p. 63)