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The Anatomy of Neighbour Relations

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  • Hannu Ruonavaara

Abstract

Relations between neighbours represent informal social relations that constitute a part of everyday life for virtually all individuals in contemporary urban societies. While aspects of neighbour relations have been studied in connection with research on local communities, gentrification, and neighbourhood effects, little research focusing specifically on interactions between neighbours has been conducted and theoretical reflection on the central concepts remains lacking. This article attempts to fill this research gap by developing a theoretical framework for the sociological understanding and investigation of neighbour relations. The research material used consists of previous studies on neighbour relations. The method for the task was analysis of concepts coupled with theoretical reasoning based on a review and a synthesis of relevant previous research. Familiar concepts like ‘neighbour’, ‘neighbouring’, and ‘neighbourliness’ are scrutinised, deconstructed, and redefined, noting that there are often two perspectives on each: the experiences of residents and those of outside observers. Various sociological aspects of neighbour relations are discussed, including neighbour relations as an acquaintance relation, neighbour relations as the basis of a community, and the cultural content of the neighbour role. A model of levels of neighbourly interaction is presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Hannu Ruonavaara, 2022. "The Anatomy of Neighbour Relations," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 27(2), pages 379-395, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:27:y:2022:i:2:p:379-395
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804211012708
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gwen Van Eijk, 2011. "‘They Eat Potatoes, I Eat Rice’: Symbolic Boundary Making and Space in Neighbour Relations," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(4), pages 22-33, December.
    2. Monique Pinçon†Charlot & Michel Pinçon, 2018. "Social Power and Power Over Space: How the Bourgeoisie Reproduces itself in the City," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 42(1), pages 115-125, January.
    3. Vanessa May & Stewart Muir, 2015. "Everyday Belonging and Ageing: Place and Generational Change," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 20(1), pages 72-82, February.
    4. Elizabeth Stokoe, 2006. "Public Intimacy in Neighbour Relationships and Complaints," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 11(3), pages 137-157, September.
    5. Isabella Boyce, 2006. "Neighbourliness and Privacy on a Low Income Estate," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 11(3), pages 59-69, September.
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