75067 - Sociology of Communities and Urban Neighbourhoods

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has a knowledge of the concept of community declined both in socio-cultural and socio-spatial terms as well as the relationship between the concepts of community and social capital, with particular attention to the territorial dimension also from the empirical point of view . In particular, the student is able to: - distinguish the concepts of community and social capital at the general theory level - distinguish between standard and non-standard research tools, knowing advantages and disadvantages in the empirical territorial research focused on community and social capital concepts.

Course contents

 

The course is divided into three thematic modules.

The first module will introduce the concept of community, distinguishing, by reference to classical authors such as Tonnies, Weber and Park, a socio-cultural and a socio-spatial meaning.

In the second module, also on the base of the above theoretical framework, the relation between community and social capital will be considered in order to develop the connection between these two concepts and the neighborhood, in terms of urban sociology and in the light of recent acquisitions of neighborhood studies (R. Sampson). A specific focus will be dedicated to urban sustainability with particular reference to the relation between the concept of resilience and the neighborhood approach.

In the third module will be presented some studies that explore the relation between poverty, neighborhood and social capital through the development of a mixed methods approach (M. Small); the importance of the distinction between structure and culture in the study of urban poverty will also be stressed.

Laboratory of Sociology of neighbourhoods and local communities and Sociology of migrations

Specific learning outcomes:

The laboratory aims to provide students with the knowledge and tools for the analysis of social phenomena in a defined territorial context (neighbourhood, urban micro area). In parallel to the theoretical path developed during the frontal lessons, the laboratory aims to show its concrete application.

The lab is intended to provide students with the rudiments necessary to deal with a scientifically founded sociological work, guiding them in a first collective research.

Description of the learning path:
The topic will be defined by the working group.
Groups of 6-7 students, according to the needs of the class, will conduct the research through the construction and solution of the following phases:

• Research question Contextually to the theme identified, the group seeks an effective sociological question that can give meaning and credibility to the project, making the purpose of the research clear.
• Quantitative Methodology Through a first quantitative survey carried out on statistical data-bases, the group describes the relevant aspects of the population that insists on the area (data collection and statistical analysis software)
• Mapping With digital or manual techniques, the results of the ethnographic observation are returned for a mapping of relevant places in the area.
• Qualitative methodology Interviews, observation and field notes allow researchers to draw and describe the area and the phenomenon object of study.
• Processing The results of the research are transcribed in a scientific form proposing a draft paper
• Return/Presentation

A final presentation of all research projects and their results allows a comparative reading of the phenomenon and returns the final meaning of the work.

Readings/Bibliography

M. Castrignano, Comunità, capitale sociale, quartiere, FrancoAngeli, Milano,  2012

M. Castrignanò, "Sostenibilità , densità  e sviluppo urbano", in Sociologia urbana e rurale, n.85, 2008.

M.Castrignanò (a cura di), "Quartieri,povertà , culture", Sociologia urbana e rurale, n.103, 2014

F. Fava, Lo Zen di Palermo. Antropologia dell'esclusione, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2008;

P. Bourgois, Cercando rispetto, Deriveapprodi, Roma, 2005;

L. Wacquant, I reietti della città, ETS, Pisa, 2012.

 

Teaching methods

frontal lessons. The course gives students the possibility of participating in laboratory research activities

Assessment methods

A final oral exam that consists in a conversation about the texts previously indicated. The oral test want to assess the learning of methodology of social research and technique contents discussed during the course. Appropriate language with the specific nature of the discipline, and the ability to deepen and put into connection with each other the main issues addressed in the course will result in assessments of excellence. Correct language, mnemonic knowledge of contents and partial ability to link the themes covered will produce discrete valuations. Inappropriate language, the presence of some training gaps but achieving a minimal body of knowledge on the topics covered will result in assessments sufficient. Lack of guidance within the themes addressed in the exam readings, inappropriate language, and training gaps will result in negative evaluations.

Teaching tools

slides presentation

Office hours

See the website of Marco Castrignanò