Why We Love Pubs, Trattorias, and Open Air Markets

Public and common spaces and why they’re important to our sense of community

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Imagine meeting friends at a local pub or cafe on a chilly afternoon. Even a cold beer is inviting, and the atmosphere is comforting and familiar. Why do we like to return to places like this again and again? As a sociologist, I’ve long been interested in social dynamics and what people are interested in at a given point in time. It may go without saying, but people seem to like places where they can gather communally, talk, enjoy food and drinks, connect with friends and neighbors, and meet new people.

There have been several well-written books documenting the importance of public and community spaces (by Setha Low; by Vikas Mehta, and others).

In her book, offers that public spaces can also be avenues for facilitating social justice and notes “how social contact can develop into a public culture of acceptance and tolerance by finding one’s own place and a sense of belonging and sharing with others.” (pg.47). Mehta offers in his book that public spaces offer a break from the routines of home and work, and allow us to energize and manage stress. He also adds that…