Brickville
Phase 2

Community Sociogram

Understanding the Diagram

A sociogram (or ecomap) is a visual tool for assessing community connections and dynamics. It is important to note which subsystems interact and the nature of the interaction. It is also important to note which subsystems do not yet have any interactions so that potential linkages can be established. The focal system is often the 'client system', that is, the system that is the focus of intervention. In this case, however, the focal system is the Brickville Community Development Corporation (CDC), in order to assess the linkages that currently exist between the agency and various community subsystems. This assessment will help the agency empower the community in making decisions about the redevelopment plan.

Brickville Ecomap

Open your notebooks and answer the following (refer to the Genogram, as needed):

  1. Using the sociogram, what linkages do you believe will help the CDC empower the community in its decision-making? Why?
  2. Using the sociogram, what linkages do you believe need to be created or strengthened between the CDC and other community subsystems? Why? How could your community practice contribute to these efforts?
  3. What elements (subsystems) are missing from the sociogram that might be important to add to the diagram? What makes these elements important, and how could you go about layering them into your community perspective?

Create your own ecomap

Click here for a PDF of an ecomap template you can print out to draw your own.

Download Template

Ecomap Key

An ecomap depicts sources of conflict and support for the client, represented by shapes connected by different types of lines.

  • fundamental, positive connection
  • stronger connection
  • neutral connection
  • indicated stress or conflict
  • the direction or flow of resources, energy or interest

My Assess Tasks

In the process of working with the community system, you find a family negatively impacted by the potential community changes. Develop an assessment of the family system using the family history and genogram. Also, examine the sample case summary and case contract forms to provide structure and agency records for your assessment.