Communities

Communities are social groups defined by a sense of belonging and shared attributes, location, or interests. They form when people interact, exchange resources, and align around norms, practices, and symbols that create identity. They can be geographic, such as neighborhoods; based on culture, language, or religion; organized around professions or hobbies; or exist as online spaces where people connect through platforms and forums.

Common characteristics include mutual recognition, social ties, norms, trust, and institutions that support coordination and mutual aid. Members exchange information, coordinate activities, and may participate in civic life. The purposes of communities range from social support and learning to collaboration on projects, advocacy, or cultural preservation. Governance often involves leadership roles, decision-making processes, and rules that regulate participation and conflict resolution.

Online communities have expanded reach but raise governance and moderation challenges, including misinformation and privacy concerns. Assessing community health may consider participation, network density, sense of belonging, and perceived social capital. Communities are dynamic, forming and changing over time in response to leadership, external events, and member needs. They often complement formal institutions by providing informal support, rapid knowledge sharing, and opportunities for collective learning.

Examples include geographic groups like neighborhood associations; professional communities such as medical or engineering societies; alumni networks; hobby or fan communities; and open-source software projects. Across types, communities contribute to social cohesion, resilience, and knowledge creation, while facing tensions around inclusion, power, and equity.