In 2001 a study of 118 persons with different social and ethnic backgrounds defined community as "a group of people with diverse characteristics who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, and engage in joint action in geographical locations or settings." 1
One element of community was identified as a "sense of place,something that could be located and described, denoting a sense of locale or boundaries." A community is an identifiable area or location, such as a city, a village, a neighborhood, or even a workplace.
This study also identified "sharing common interests and perspectives" as part of belonging to a community. As members of a community, we share our values, norms, religion, interests, worries, needs, happiness, and suffering with the other members of our community. Many times these commonalities have existed for years, if not for centuries.
Other identified elements of community were joint actions that bring people together or social ties such as family, friends, and diversity.
Note
1. MacQueen KM, McLellan E, Metzger DS, et al. What is community? (PDF 293K) An evidence-based definition for participatory public health. AJPH 2001;91(12):1929-38.
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