Sosedstvo

Sosedstvo (соседство) is a term used in Russian and some Slavic languages to describe the social relations, norms, and sense of community among people living in the same neighborhood. It refers not only to physical proximity but also to the everyday interactions and mutual awareness that bind residents together.

Etymologically, the word derives from сосед, neighbor. Sosedstvo emphasizes neighborly behavior, such as familiarity, willingness to help, and informal communication, as opposed to merely sharing a location.

In urban sociology and planning, sosedstvo denotes the social fabric of a residential area. It encompasses patterns of contact in courtyards, stairwells, and local shops, as well as informal networks for mutual aid, information exchange, and collective problem-solving. The strength of sosedstvo is influenced by housing design (entrance configurations, common spaces, and walkable access), as well as demographic turnover and social diversity.

Historically, the concept has been used to discuss how neighborhood life contributes to social cohesion, safety, and everyday resilience in Soviet and post-Soviet contexts. It is often linked to the idea of microdistricts (mikrorayon) or blocks where residents develop shared routines and informal governance over time.

See also: neighborliness, social capital, urban sociology.