A geographic community is a group of people connected by living within specific physical boundaries.
Understanding Geographic Communities
A geographic community is precisely defined by its geographic boundaries. This means that the defining characteristic of such a community is the physical area where its members reside. Unlike other types of communities based on shared interests or goals, the bond in a geographic community is tied to proximity and shared physical space.
The provided reference highlights key examples of what constitutes a geographic community:
- A city
- A town
- Neighborhoods
These examples illustrate how geographic communities are delineated by established or recognized borders, whether they are administrative lines (like city limits) or more informal but understood areas (like a neighborhood).
Key Characteristics
Based on the definition, a geographic community is characterized by:
- Physical Location: Membership is determined by living within a specific area.
- Shared Space: Members interact within the same physical environment.
- Boundaries: There are defined or recognized limits to the community's area.
| Community Type | Basis for Connection | Examples from Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic | Defined by geographic boundaries | A city, town, neighborhoods |
| Common-Interest | Shared interest or goal | (Not specified in reference) |
While people within a geographic community may also share interests, the fundamental criterion for belonging to a geographic community is residing within its designated area.
