POL3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1
Unique No: 279198
Due 23 March 2026
, 1.1 Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community
Relevant to a Community Profile
A community profile provides a structured understanding of a community’s environment,
people, and systems. It focuses on both physical and social characteristics because
these shape how people interact, how resources are distributed, and how problems
such as crime emerge.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics refer to the observable and environmental features of a
community. These elements shape daily life and influence safety, mobility, and access
to opportunities.
Geographical location and layout The location of a community affects accessibility
and exposure to opportunities or risks. Urban communities often have better
infrastructure and services but may also experience higher crime due to population
density. Rural areas may experience isolation, limited policing, and fewer economic
opportunities. For example, informal settlements located near industrial areas may
expose residents to environmental hazards and social instability (Swanepoel & De Beer,
2011).
Infrastructure and housing conditions Quality of housing, roads, sanitation, and
electricity supply significantly affects well being. Poor infrastructure can contribute to
overcrowding and stress. Overcrowded living spaces often increase family tensions and
social conflict, which can lead to violence and crime. In informal settlements where
homes are densely packed and poorly lit, criminals may exploit the environment to avoid
detection (Schurink et al., 2012).
Availability of services and facilities Access to schools, healthcare, recreational
spaces, and police services influences community development. A lack of youth
facilities such as sports grounds can increase idle time among young people, raising the
risk of involvement in gangs or substance abuse. Communities without accessible
Assignment 1 Semester 1
Unique No: 279198
Due 23 March 2026
, 1.1 Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community
Relevant to a Community Profile
A community profile provides a structured understanding of a community’s environment,
people, and systems. It focuses on both physical and social characteristics because
these shape how people interact, how resources are distributed, and how problems
such as crime emerge.
Physical Characteristics
Physical characteristics refer to the observable and environmental features of a
community. These elements shape daily life and influence safety, mobility, and access
to opportunities.
Geographical location and layout The location of a community affects accessibility
and exposure to opportunities or risks. Urban communities often have better
infrastructure and services but may also experience higher crime due to population
density. Rural areas may experience isolation, limited policing, and fewer economic
opportunities. For example, informal settlements located near industrial areas may
expose residents to environmental hazards and social instability (Swanepoel & De Beer,
2011).
Infrastructure and housing conditions Quality of housing, roads, sanitation, and
electricity supply significantly affects well being. Poor infrastructure can contribute to
overcrowding and stress. Overcrowded living spaces often increase family tensions and
social conflict, which can lead to violence and crime. In informal settlements where
homes are densely packed and poorly lit, criminals may exploit the environment to avoid
detection (Schurink et al., 2012).
Availability of services and facilities Access to schools, healthcare, recreational
spaces, and police services influences community development. A lack of youth
facilities such as sports grounds can increase idle time among young people, raising the
risk of involvement in gangs or substance abuse. Communities without accessible
