Discusses the rationale for community, the varieties of communities, the effect of social change on communities and many other factors, tying the concept to the various levels of human interaction, from the global to the individual.
Social Connections.- Conceptions of Community: Past and Present.- Common Ties: Immigrant and Ethnic Communities.- Fragmented Ties: The Poor and The Homeless.- Communities in Crisis: Reconnecting Frayed Social Ties.- Communities of Exclusion and Excluded Communities: Barriers to Neighboring.- Connections of Faith: Religion as Community.- Vital Bonds: Social Support, Social Networks and Health.- The Social Internet: Cybercommunities.- Solitary Communities: Disconnecting From the Common Good.- Notes.- References.- Index.