Circling Science

Sense of community: A definition and theory

David W. McMillan and David M. Chavis · 1986

Evidence
Conceptual work
Kind
Journal article
peer-reviewed
Method
Theoretical paper defining sense of community, built on research into group cohesiveness
Published
Journal of Community Psychology, 14(1), 6–23

Background

Earlier work that helps you think about the practice, without being about it.

Defines a sense of community through four elements (membership, influence, the meeting of members’ needs and a shared emotional connection) and describes how they work together.

What it doesn’t show

A definition and theory, not a test of it. It concerns communities in general, not any practice.

Summary based on the abstract and the paper’s four-element definition.

Directions that build on it

  1. From circle to community

    Builds on 6 works · 4 funding routes

    Do regular circles grow into a community, with ties, belonging and help that last beyond the sessions?

Links

Cite

McMillan, D. W., & Chavis, D. M. (1986). Sense of community: A definition and theory. Journal of Community Psychology, 14(1), 6–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/1520-6629(198601)14:1<6::AID-JCOP2290140103>3.0.CO;2-I