naberoende

Naberoende is a sociological concept describing the degree to which individuals, households, and local institutions depend on nearby neighbors for resources, support, and services. The concept combines social network analysis with spatial proximity and shared infrastructure. The term derives from nabo, neighbor, and beroende, dependence, and is used mainly in Swedish-speaking contexts.

In practice naberoende is assessed through indicators such as frequency of reciprocal help, use of common spaces, shared facilities (tool libraries, carpooling, community kitchens), informal safety networks, and mutual aid during crises. Researchers may use surveys, interviews, or network analysis to quantify it, producing a naberoende index or related measures. The concept emphasizes local interdependence rather than formal institutions.

Applications include urban planning and community development, resilience planning, and evaluating social cohesion in neighborhoods. Higher naberoende is often linked to stronger social capital, more resilient communities, and efficient local resource use, but it may also reflect vulnerability if formal services are weak.

Criticism includes definitional ambiguity, potential cultural bias, and measurement complexities. Some argue naberoende risks normalizing dependence on informal networks at the expense of public services, while others see it as a valuable complement to formal support systems. It remains an area of ongoing research rather than a standardized metric.