Sense of Community and Social Life in the Fishing Neighbourhood of Gurunagar, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The role of space and neighbourhood layout in the creation of local communities have been less well undersrtood. Research has developed indices for evaluating the sense of community and social life, but has not focused on the significance of neighbourhoods. Sense of community and social life are related to social cohesion, areas of inquiry in sociology, psychology and the built environment. Social life studies focus on city centers or periphery areas; while sense of community studies of sociologists and psychologists focus on neighbourhoods. The role of the built environment on the sense of community and social life of neighbourhood however is less well understood. This paper explores the sense of community and social life of Gurunagar fishing neighbourhood and investigates how a particular fishing community plays a vital role in their own territory in terms of physical, social, economic and environmental aspects. It highlights its magnitude in achieving a successful neighbourhood. The research was conducted through observations, photographic surveys, spatial analysis, interviews and discussions with those who live in the selected case study area.