peopleresidents

Peopleresidents is a neologism used in urban studies and speculative discussions to describe residents who orient their lives and communities around people rather than property or consumption. The term denotes a population defined by active civic participation, mutual aid, and inclusive social practices that influence local decisions and daily life.

Origin and scope: The term is not widely standardized and appears mainly in discussions about participatory governance, co-housing, and community-led development. It is often contrasted with resident categories that emphasize ownership, investment, or consumption. In some fiction and policy experiments, peopleresidents are envisioned as a social archetype that elevates social capital.

Characteristics: Peopleresidents exhibit high levels of civic engagement, regular attendance at neighborhood meetings, involvement in volunteer groups, and advocacy for public services and equitable access to housing, education, and health. They value shared spaces, deliberation, and collaborative solutions, and tend to favor local over external providers.

Implications and criticisms: In urban planning, peopleresidents can drive inclusive and resilient communities but may slow decision-making or marginalize non-participants if not managed with inclusive processes. Critics warn the term is vague and may conflate diverse populations under a single label, risking oversimplification of social dynamics.

See also: participatory planning, social capital, civic engagement.