The Sociological Context of Spatial Social Planning

Sociological and socio-psychological theories on the relation between the individual, groups and society are treated. Special attention is given to understanding the human being in a social context, as a gregarious and social being, and its impact on the socio-spatial planning practice. A central theme is the cultural and social determination of human action. The possible effects of social structures (e.g. class, ethnicity and gender) on individual options and their effects are discussed and problematised in terms of people in general and community planners in particular. The course also deals with the issue of understanding contemporary society in terms of integration and inclusion, on the one hand, and segregation ans exclusion on the other. Students apply some qualitative data collection methods. Instruction is in the form of lectures, seminars and group discussions.