The Death of the Third Place

amtrak-official got thinking about the death of the third place in American society because they looked up roller rinks in Philadelphia. The concept of the “Third Place” refers to social environments distinct from the home (first place) and the workplace (second place). Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book “The Great Good Place” (1989), third places are informal public gathering spaces that foster social interaction, community building, and a sense of belonging. These spaces are crucial for promoting social equality and civic engagement.

Common examples of third places include cafes, coffee shops, bars, parks, libraries, community centers, and barber shops. They play a vital role in maintaining vibrant communities by offering venues for informal social interactions, fostering friendships, and supporting civic engagement.

The Death of the Third Place

Source: amtrak-official

2 thoughts on “The Death of the Third Place

  1. Have Third Places actually died out, or have they moved online? People hanging out in groups in vc on Discord, playing games together online, and other places that aren’t reliant on physical geography to get together with friends or a virtual community.

Leave a Comment