ABSTRACT
A community is a particular type of association, distinguishable from other forms of association such as cliques, gangs, action sets, and factions. Psychologists believe that community-relevant behavior is motivated by a "sense of community. Sense of community is the motivation for people to behave in community-relevant ways. Neighborhood studies show people who express a stronger sense of community are more likely to engage in neighborly acts, express willingness to cooperate, participate in community organizations and in local affairs, make physical improvements, fight crime, support public school taxes, and operate social programs. Architects and urban planners see loss of community as the consequence of poor neighborhood design. Sociologists think community is the medium through which we learn about social responsibility, friendship, love, status and role, order and disorder, and guilt and innocence. Community organizations are another element that, research shows, strengthens sense of community.
