1|Page
POL3701 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 23
March 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
Question 1.1........................................................................................................................................... 2
Analysis of the Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community Relevant to a
Community Profile and Their Influence on Community Dynamics and Crime ................ 2
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Physical Characteristics of a Community ................................................................................. 2
2.1 Geographic Location and Layout .......................................................................................... 2
2.2 Housing Conditions and Infrastructure ............................................................................... 2
2.3 Availability of Public Facilities and Services ..................................................................... 3
2.4 Environmental Conditions ...................................................................................................... 3
3. Social Characteristics of a Community ..................................................................................... 3
3.1 Population Composition .......................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Socio-Economic Status ........................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Family Structures and Socialisation .................................................................................... 4
3.4 Social Cohesion and Community Relationships .............................................................. 4
3.5 Cultural Norms and Values ..................................................................................................... 4
4. Influence of Physical and Social Characteristics on Community Dynamics and Crime
.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1. Phase 1: Preparation (Planning Phase)...............................................................................5
2. Phase 2: Entry (Engagement Phase) ...................................................................................5
3. Phase 3: Diagnosis (Assessment Phase) ...........................................................................6
4. Phase 4: Implementation (Action Phase) ............................................................................6
5. Phase 5: Evaluation (Follow-up Phase)...............................................................................7
Summary Table of Purposes .................................................................................................7
, 2|Page
Question 1.1
Analysis of the Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community Relevant to a
Community Profile and Their Influence on Community Dynamics and Crime
1. Introduction
A community profile is a systematic description of a community’s key characteristics and
is an essential tool in community development, crime prevention, and social intervention
planning. When compiling a community profile, it is necessary to analyse both physical
and social characteristics, as these factors shape how people live, interact, and
respond to challenges within the community. These characteristics influence community
dynamics such as cohesion, stability, and social control, and may also contribute to
social problems such as crime if inadequately managed (Botha, 2019).
2. Physical Characteristics of a Community
Physical characteristics refer to the tangible and spatial features of a community.
These features determine how the environment is structured and how residents interact
with their surroundings.
2.1 Geographic Location and Layout
The geographic location of a community, including whether it is urban, peri-urban, or
rural, plays a significant role in shaping community life. Urban areas often experience
higher population density, anonymity, and mobility, which can weaken informal social
control and increase opportunities for crime. Poorly planned layouts with narrow streets,
limited lighting, or inaccessible areas can provide hiding places for criminal activity
(Newburn, 2017).
2.2 Housing Conditions and Infrastructure
Housing quality, availability, and overcrowding are critical physical characteristics.
Informal settlements or poorly maintained housing can contribute to social stress, health
POL3701 Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026 (Answer Guide) - DUE 23
March 2026
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
Question 1.1........................................................................................................................................... 2
Analysis of the Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community Relevant to a
Community Profile and Their Influence on Community Dynamics and Crime ................ 2
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Physical Characteristics of a Community ................................................................................. 2
2.1 Geographic Location and Layout .......................................................................................... 2
2.2 Housing Conditions and Infrastructure ............................................................................... 2
2.3 Availability of Public Facilities and Services ..................................................................... 3
2.4 Environmental Conditions ...................................................................................................... 3
3. Social Characteristics of a Community ..................................................................................... 3
3.1 Population Composition .......................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Socio-Economic Status ........................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Family Structures and Socialisation .................................................................................... 4
3.4 Social Cohesion and Community Relationships .............................................................. 4
3.5 Cultural Norms and Values ..................................................................................................... 4
4. Influence of Physical and Social Characteristics on Community Dynamics and Crime
.................................................................................................................................................................. 4
1. Phase 1: Preparation (Planning Phase)...............................................................................5
2. Phase 2: Entry (Engagement Phase) ...................................................................................5
3. Phase 3: Diagnosis (Assessment Phase) ...........................................................................6
4. Phase 4: Implementation (Action Phase) ............................................................................6
5. Phase 5: Evaluation (Follow-up Phase)...............................................................................7
Summary Table of Purposes .................................................................................................7
, 2|Page
Question 1.1
Analysis of the Physical and Social Characteristics of a Community Relevant to a
Community Profile and Their Influence on Community Dynamics and Crime
1. Introduction
A community profile is a systematic description of a community’s key characteristics and
is an essential tool in community development, crime prevention, and social intervention
planning. When compiling a community profile, it is necessary to analyse both physical
and social characteristics, as these factors shape how people live, interact, and
respond to challenges within the community. These characteristics influence community
dynamics such as cohesion, stability, and social control, and may also contribute to
social problems such as crime if inadequately managed (Botha, 2019).
2. Physical Characteristics of a Community
Physical characteristics refer to the tangible and spatial features of a community.
These features determine how the environment is structured and how residents interact
with their surroundings.
2.1 Geographic Location and Layout
The geographic location of a community, including whether it is urban, peri-urban, or
rural, plays a significant role in shaping community life. Urban areas often experience
higher population density, anonymity, and mobility, which can weaken informal social
control and increase opportunities for crime. Poorly planned layouts with narrow streets,
limited lighting, or inaccessible areas can provide hiding places for criminal activity
(Newburn, 2017).
2.2 Housing Conditions and Infrastructure
Housing quality, availability, and overcrowding are critical physical characteristics.
Informal settlements or poorly maintained housing can contribute to social stress, health
