History of Community in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 24, 2025

A community is a social unit defined by shared characteristics, such as location, norms, culture, religion, values, customs, or identity. This shared basis can exist within a geographical area or in virtual spaces. Strong relationships extending beyond family also contribute to a sense of community, influencing identity and social roles. While often small, the term "community" can also encompass large-group affiliations like national, international, or virtual communities, indicating the broad scope of the concept.

1986: McMillan and Chavis identify four elements of "sense of community"

In 1986, McMillan and Chavis identified the four key elements that constitute a "sense of community".

1987: Scott Peck argues that sense of community can be consciously built

In 1987, Scott Peck, in "The Different Drum: Community-Making and Peace", posited that the sense of community, often accidental during crises, can be intentionally cultivated through deliberate design and the application of specific rules across four stages.

The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace (New Hope for Humankind)

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1991: Peck remarks on difficulty in maintaining a sense of community

In 1991, Peck noted that while initiating a sense of community is relatively straightforward, sustaining it poses a significant challenge in the modern world.

2001: Pew Internet survey finds virtual groups focused on obtaining information

In 2001, a Pew Internet and The American Life Project survey found that individuals involved in entertainment, professional, and sports-related virtual groups primarily focused their online activities on acquiring information.