Perspectives on the Meaning of Community

Abstract

Implementing effective policies and healthy community practices requires an understanding of what we mean by the term “community.” Key characteristics include interdependence, mutual responsibility, commitment, and attachment. Community takes many forms, including communities of place, groups of living things in an ecosystem, and communities of people. It can also be analyzed from multiple perspectives, including community in contrast to individualism, bonding and bridging social capital, and race, class, and diversity.