Need for Community

Throughout evolutionary history, humans survived and thrived by banding together in cooperative communities – living in a group afforded protection, division of labor, and cultural growth. Reflecting this legacy, people have a fundamental need for community: we’re driven to join with others, contribute to group efforts, and uphold a shared identity that fosters belonging. In a well-functioning community, members help each other, which spreads out risks (for example, if one person falters, others can support them) and vastly increases the group’s overall capabilities (many hands and minds working together can achieve more than one alone). Research in social and evolutionary psychology underscores that strong social networks and communal ties improve individuals’ health and resilience. In short, a healthy community acts as a safety net and force multiplier, explaining why humans instinctively seek and value group belonging and mutual aid.