Healthy Communities: What Have We Learned and Where do We Go from Here?

Jerry Marx

doi:10.3390/socsci5030044

Abstract

Systems theory[1,2]suggests that healthy communities promote healthy individual development.[...]

Highlights

Social exchange theory [3] emphasizes the norms of reciprocity and the underlying relationships of trust that develop in healthy communities
A U.S citizen, challenged the prevailing notions of urban planning in the United States, claiming that urban renewal of the 1940s and 1950s had hurt the health of cities due to single use zoning that located residents, parks, business, government services, etc. in separate sections of the city
Mixed-use zoning keeps a flow of people through streets, neighborhoods, and districts, which is good for business, safety, and tourism

Summary

Introduction

Social exchange theory [3] emphasizes the norms of reciprocity and the underlying relationships of trust that develop in healthy communities. Those involved with the settlement house movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s in Great Britain and the United States certainly understood the impact of the environment on individual functioning and worked with both government and business leaders to better organize communities and services to meet the needs of residents.

Results

Conclusion