Education
What is a Sense of Community?
A sense of community refers to the feeling of belonging and connection that individuals experience within a group or social environment. This psychological construct, first introduced by Seymour Sarason in 1974, encompasses four key elements:
- Membership: The feeling of being part of a group and having personal investment in it.
- Influence: The belief that one can make a difference in the community and that the community matters to its members.
- Integration and fulfillment of needs: The feeling that members’ needs will be met through their membership in the group.
- Shared emotional connection: The commitment and belief that members have shared and will share history, common places, time together, and similar experiences.
A strong sense of community can lead to increased social support, improved mental health, and greater civic participation. It’s particularly important in various settings such as neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and online communities.