Examination of Desirable Neighboring: The Role of Distance and Proximity in Social Order and Identity

Examine the argument that desirable neighboring is characterized by both distance and proximity BY Repossessions Examine the argument that desirable neighboring Is characterized by both distance and proximity This essay will examine the attributes of desirable neighboring, looking at the characteristics and unwritten rules of good neighboring, how material life shapes social identities and social order to regulate and control the distance and proximity between neighbors. Secondly, personal and social identities are discussed and how these affect the interaction with neighbors.

Thirdly, tensions around different cultural social rules are considered and the effect of these different rules has on desirable neighboring. Lastly, causes and effects of neighborly disputes are examined while also looking at how these broken connections are remade. Qualitative data Is used as evidence to support this analysis, this type of data Is given In a non-numerical format, usually gathered from an Interview or survey form, as well as using observations by the researcher.

Desirable neighboring is described as the balance between preserving the connection with neighbors, examining their eternal lives of how, where and when they interact with their neighbors, while maintaining a suitable proximity and respecting their 'need for privacy' (Wolcott, cited in Taylor, 2009, p. 173). Byword (2009, p. 254) compares desirable neighboring too 'slow dance', whereby neighbors should preserve their proximity to each other, while not getting too close or be too distant, in order to stay connected with each other. This type of social behavior is unwritten and learned through solicitation (Byword, 2009, p. 54), whereby individuals observe and follow the norms of acceptable behavior (Withering, 2009, p. 0). Harold Garfield (cited In Taylor, 2009, p. 173) argues that social life Is fluid, continually changing whereby Individuals constantly adapt to preserve the balance of social order In the neighborhood. Harris and Gale (cited in Byword, 2009, p. 255) identified that neighbors communicated primarily outside of the home' in what was perceived as public space, and 'not in the home' which could be perceived as 'over-neighboring' by infringing on their neighbors personal space.

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Nevertheless, the purpose to provide social structure is still the same. However, social rules can be caused by mistrust and the need for power and control. Stanley Branded (cited in Byword, 2009, p. 260) explains that in Spain, desirable neighboring requires individuals to be close, both socially and physically. For example, he observed that neighbors leave their front doors open and neighbors come and go from each other's houses without hesitation, whereas the qualities of 'not being intrusive' and 'reserved' were seen as suspicious and rude.

However, this proximity and closeness was used as form of surveillance and control. Different social rules can lead to inequalities and unequal connections, some neighbors might be excluded for not adhering to the expected social rules or not being able to participate (Taylor, 2009, p. 158). The boundaries of good neighboring are unwritten and are subjective interpretation, which can therefore lead to disputes (Byword, 2009, p. 263). Elizabeth Stoke (cited in Byword, 2009, p. 64) examined how a neighbor's intimate noises were intruding into the other neighbor's private space. The main issue was that the neighbor was not seen to be considerate by minimizing the noise, which was intruding into the other neighbor's private space. Steps were taken to repair the social order using mediation. This is an example of how social order can be broken and repaired, but the neighbor's relationship was not completely the same as fore which highlights the fluidity of social life and how it changes.

To summaries, material life can connect and disconnect neighbors, desirable neighborliness does not only include social and physical distance and proximity, but also how an individual presents themselves and is therefore perceived by their neighbors (Byword, 2009, p. 258). Taylor (2009, p. 171) argues that personal identity is not fixed and includes multiple identities. One of which is their social identity of being a neighbor, which is made and remade as individuals adapt to the fluidity of social life.

Additionally, different cultures have different social rules and expectations around desired neighboring, which can cause tension and inequality. Intern, this can lead to disputes to arise leading to a break in social order, different social rules control creating differences and inequality in social order and life (Taylor, 2009, p. 291). Byword (2009, p. 254) compares desirable neighboring to a 'slow dance', requiring neighbors to change and adapt to the differences and inequalities of social life, to make and repair social order created from this.

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