Bridging the Gap Through Neighboring

In an increasingly divided world—economically, socially, and politically—the simple act of neighboring may hold surprising power. 

Robert Putnam once observed, “Social capital can bridge the gap between different social and economic groups.” This idea cuts to the heart of what it means to be a neighbor: not simply someone who lives next door, but someone who actively builds social ties across lines that often divide us.

Neighboring, when done intentionally, becomes a quiet yet radical act of resistance against fragmentation. It transforms neighborhoods from clusters of strangers into webs of shared humanity. Conversations over fences, borrowed tools, shared meals—these everyday interactions may seem small, but they accumulate into something far more significant: trust.

Trust is the cornerstone of social capital. It allows people from different walks of life to work together, exchange resources, and find common ground. In a neighborhood, this could mean anything from organizing a block party to banding together for better local services. When people know and care about each other, they become more willing to look past income brackets, cultural backgrounds, or political views. That’s bridging capital in action.

In communities where neighboring is strong, the effects ripple outward. Studies show that children do better in school, crime rates fall, and health outcomes improve. Why? Because people are more likely to look out for one another, to share information and support, and to hold a collective sense of responsibility. A neighbor checking in on an elderly resident or mentoring a teenager may not seem like bridging a social divide—but it is.

Of course, neighboring isn’t always easy. It demands effort, humility, and the willingness to engage with people who are different. But in the face of widening inequality and social isolation, it may be one of the most accessible tools we have.

Putnam’s insight invites us to reimagine our neighborhoods not just as places where we reside, but as places where we invest in one another. Neighboring isn’t just about friendliness—it’s about building bridges, one conversation at a time.

In a world full of walls—literal and figurative—choosing to be a neighbor is a way to build something better: a community grounded in connection, compassion, and shared purpose.

Written by David L. Burton

MORE INFORMATION

Take the Engaged Neighbor pledge and become part of a movement! The pledge outlines five categories and 20 principles to guide you toward becoming an engaged neighbor. Sign the pledge at https://nomoregoodneighbors.com. Individuals who take the pledge do get special invitations to future events online and in person. Contact the blog author, David L. Burton via email at dburton541@yahoo.com or burtond@missouri.edu. You can also visit his website at https://engagedneighbor.com.