Social Mapping
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santanuswain8847Social Mapping
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santanuswain8847Understanding Social Mapping
Social mapping is a popular method used in Participatory Action Research (PAR) to understand
communities better. It helps people visualize and analyze different aspects of social life within a
village or neighborhood.
How is a Social Map Different from a Resource Map?
A resource map shows natural resources like land, water sources, forests, and animals.
A social map focuses on people, houses, roads, schools, hospitals, and other social
structures.
Sometimes, both maps are combined into one, called a village map.
Why is Social Mapping Useful?
1. Understanding Communities – It helps in understanding how people live, where they stay,
and the facilities available.
2. Gathering Information – It collects details like population, family structures, and local
services.
3. Encouraging Discussions – It provides a platform for community members to discuss their
issues and needs.
4. Planning for Change – It helps in deciding what improvements or actions are needed in the
community.
5. Tracking Progress – It can be used to monitor and evaluate the impact of any development
projects.
Simplified Process of Social Mapping
Social mapping is a step-by-step process that involves community members in
drawing a map of their village or locality to understand social structures,
resources, and relationships.
Steps in Social Mapping
1. Choose a Suitable Location & Time
o Consult with local people and select a place where everyone can
participate.
o Invite community members to join.
2. Explain the Purpose
o Tell participants why they are making the map.
o Encourage them to use creative materials like leaves, twigs, or
chalk.
3. Observe & Listen
o Pay close attention to their discussions.
o Take notes but avoid interfering.
4. Encourage Active Participation
o Let the community take the lead.
o Ensure all groups (men, women, youth, elderly, different social
classes) are involved.
5. Facilitate, Don’t Dominate
o Step in only when needed, especially if they get stuck.
o Ask guiding questions like, “What does this symbol mean?”
6. Validate the Map
o Ask some participants to point out their houses.
o Clarify anything unclear and cross-check information with others.
7. Transfer to Paper
o Since maps made on the ground can be erased, copy them onto
large sheets of paper.
o This helps in future discussions and planning.
What Information Can a Social Map Provide?
A social map helps communities understand and plan improvements in areas
like:
✔ Wealth & Social Structure (rich, poor, caste distribution)
✔ Neighborhoods & Family Information
✔ Schools, Hospitals, & Social Institutions
✔ Religious & Cultural Practices
✔ Leadership & Power Structures
✔ Local Economy & Government Services
✔ Social Issues (dowry, alcoholism, child labor, etc.)
✔ Social Norms & Values
✔ Conflicts, Cooperation, & Communication Patterns
Choosing the Right Site for Mapping
Location: Should be central and easily accessible.
Inclusivity: Avoid places where some groups may feel uncomfortable.
Comfort: Ensure shade and a smooth surface for drawing.
Key Aspects of Social Mapping
✔ Number of Participants – The more, the better! Even children and elders can
contribute.
✔ Materials Used – Natural items like twigs, seeds, stones, and color powders.
✔ Time Taken – Depends on village size, interest, and detail level.
✔ Flexibility – Can be combined with other research methods.
Worksheet
Social Map
Team Leader:
Team Members:
Instructions:
1. Write down your goals for making the social map in the box given below:
Click to enter tekst
2. Identify suitable location where villagers generally gather and comfortably draw social map.
3. You can ideally select school premise, village square, church/temple premise etc.
4. Select those villagers who have a very good understanding of the village social life as the key
informants.
5. Brief the key informants about the purpose and procedure of the social mapping.
6. Be ready with the agreed upon checklist for gathering information about the various issues of
social map.
7. Draw a village map indicating North direction in the top right edge.
8. Guide and facilitate the key informants in putting all the information on social map.
9. Show the location of houses, their spread indicating the major features like caste, type of
house, leadership, social facilities and their sharing, social issues, social evils, conflicts,
cooperation, etc. using appropriate legend.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What is the significance of social issues on technology
adoption behavior of farmers?
What is the need for social map in identifying
technology/information needs assessment?
Record your observations on social map with reference to the following points
in the box below:
What are the village boundaries?
What are the types their location and spread of houses?
What are the basic amenities, their location and social sharing?
What are the social institutions of the village?
What are the leadership issues in the village?
What type of social stratification is observed in the village?
What are the social norms of the village?
What kind of social processes like cooperation and conflicts are observed with reference to
farming?
Are there any social blocks to the free information flow in the village?
What social issues are promoting and prohibiting the prosperity in the village?
Enter tekst here
Draw the Village Social Map in this Box