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By: Shelby Disney
Introduction:
In today’s rapidly changing world, the fabric that binds communities together seems to be unraveling at an ever-increasing rate. With the rise of digital communication, the shift toward urbanization, and the pressures of global economic competition we have transformed the way we engage with our communities, participate in civic duties, and distorted our perceived place within society. Within this backdrop of change, the question of what makes a nation strong— Is it a nation’s economy, its military, or its political systems? — often overlooks a fundamental component: the strength of its communities. The bedrock of a strong nation lies not just in its material wealth or power but in the strength of its communities. Drawing upon the thoughts of Edmund Burke, Alexis de Tocqueville, Wendell Berry, and Robert Putman, we will explore the importance of community in fostering social cohesion, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging among its citizens.
From Edmund Burke:
In the rich field of political philosophy that examines the underpinnings of a strong nation, Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France, and his contributions to the subject stand as a testament to the enduring importance of community and tradition. I am drawing two main points from Burke’s work where he makes the case for community: one direct community and the other indirect community. The first is a direct community among individuals. Burke writes, “One of the first symptoms they discover of a selfish and mischievous ambition, is a profligate disregard of a dignity which they partake with others. To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle of public affection. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country and to mankind. The interest of that portion of social agreement is a trust in the hands of all those who compose it; and as none but bad men would justify it in abuse, none but traitors would barter it away for their own personal advantage.” What Burke is saying here is that we must have love toward our “little platoon” (our community) and that anything less than love for our community is selfish. We live in a society that is riddled with individualism and most people would like to live with an every- man-for-himself attitude. However, Burke argues, and I believe that he is correct, that these entities are not just the cornerstone of social cohesion and public virtue but are also crucial in nurturing the sense of belonging and mutual responsibility essential for a nation’s strength and stability. The second, and more indirect community that Burke says is necessary, is the community we have with those who came before us and those who will come after us. Burke’s emphasis on intergenerational community resonates with contemporary concerns about sustainability, cultural preservation, and the long-term impacts of today’s decisions on future generations. His philosophy suggests that the strength and health of society depend not only on the vibrancy of its current community bonds but also on the depth of its roots and the care with which it nurtures its legacy for the future. Burke calls this “the great mysterious incorporation of the human race.” On this subject, Burke writes, “People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors. Besides, the people of England well know, that the idea of inheritance furnishes a sure principle of transmission; without at all excluding a principle of improvement. It leaves acquisition free; but it secures what it acquires.” Burke’s vision here challenges us to view our role in society not just as beneficiaries of our communal heritage but as custodians of a legacy that transcends our own moment in time, affirming that true community encompasses both the memory of the past and the promise of the future.
From Alexis de Tocqueville:
In the mid-19th century, Alexis de Tocqueville, a French sociologist, and political thinker, sailed across the Atlantic to dissect and document the democracy of the United States. His work, Democracy in America, has emerged not only as an exploration of a political system but as a profound meditation on the fabric that underpins and propels it forward. Through his observations, Tocqueville illuminates the indispensable role of community and civic associations as the lifeblood of American democracy. Tocqueville argues that the vitality and strength of a nation lie fundamentally in the active participation and mutual responsibility of its citizens. Tocqueville wrote, “It is clear that, if each citizen, as he becomes individually weaker and therefore more incapable of preserving his liberty himself alone, did not learn the art of uniting with his fellows to defend his liberty, tyranny would necessarily grow with equality.” Through his research, Tocqueville arrived at a thesis that the symbiosis of individual freedom and collective endeavor is essential for the flourishing of democratic ideals. Tocqueville's insights, transcending time, serve as a beacon for contemporary discussions on the fabric of community, reminding us that the essence of a robust democracy is found not in the grandeur of its institutions but in the everyday engagements of its people, fostering a sense of belonging, cooperation, and shared destiny. He also wrote, “Americans of all ages, of all conditions, of all minds, constantly unite. Not only do they have commercial and industrial associations in which they all take part, but they also have a thousand other kinds: religious, moral, serious ones, useless ones, very general and very particular ones, immense and very small ones; Americans associate to celebrate holidays, establish seminaries, build inns, erect churches, distribute books… in this way they create hospitals, prisons, [and] schools.” While it may have been the case in the mid-19th century, America’s sense of community is rapidly deteriorating. So many people are choosing an individual life— alone or within a small family— over that of a community within a church, a book club, or a social club. If we do not return to the sense of interconnected community that Tocqueville witnessed while touring our young democracy, I fear that his words stated previously will come true: “tyranny [will] necessarily grow with equality.”
From Wendell Berry:
Wendell Berry, an esteemed American (and proud Kentuckian) author, poet, and advocate for agrarian values, discusses the relationship between humanity and the natural world. His work What are People For? delves into the themes of community, sustainability, and the human connection to the land. Berry articulates a compelling critique of the modern disconnection from place, community, and the cycles of nature. He wrote, “Rats and roaches live by competition under the law of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy. It is impossible not to notice how little the proponents of the ideal of competition have to say about honesty, which is the fundamental economic virtue, and how very little they have to say about community, compassion, and mutual help.” Berry advocates for a return to a more holistic, sustainable way of living that recognizes the intrinsic value of local communities and the land that sustains them. By presenting a vision of life that is counter to the prevailing trends of consumerism and dislocation, Wendell Berry invites us to reevaluate our roles within the tapestry of life and to reimagine the possibilities for our communities. While Berry’s criticisms come from a somewhat different place than Burke’s or Tocqueville’s they arrive at the same conclusion: in order to have a strong and perseverant society people must give up petty individualism and unite under common associations to build society from the bottom up, or we will be left at the mercy of higher powers to control us from the top down, which creates nasty competition and deteriorates the fabric of society over time.
From Robert Putman:
Robert Putman is a distinguished American political scientist and the Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. He emerged as a pivotal figure in the discourse of social capital and community dynamics after writing his book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. In this book Putman delves into the fabric of American society, tracing the major shifts in community engagement and civic participation over the latter half of the last century. Putman paints a compelling picture of a nation grappling with the erosion of social bonds and the implications of this trend for democratic life. He wrote, “Light-touch government works more efficiently in the presence of social capital. Police close more cases when citizens monitor neighborhood comings and goings. Child welfare departments do a better job of ‘family preservation’ when neighbors and relatives provide social support to troubled parents. Public schools teach better when parents volunteer in classrooms and ensure that kids do their homework. When community involvement is lacking, the burdens on government employees— bureaucrats, social workers, teachers, and so forth— are that much greater and success is that much more elusive.” Putman’s exploration into the decline of social capital— the networks, norms, and social trusts that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit— has sparked widespread debate and reflection on the health and communities across the United States. Another problem that Putman identifies within a less interconnected world is that people are more drawn to the extremes, he writes, “People divorced from community, occupation, and association are first and foremost among the supporters of extremism.” This idea explains why America is so polarized today because many people feel like they do not have connections and when they do they are only connected to people who feel exactly like they do; therefore, so many people would rather retreat into their homes to watch television than engage with their community and help build a better world. Putman not only diagnoses a critical challenge facing contemporary society but also says that the strength and resilience of democracy are deeply interconnected with the vibrancy of its community ties. Ultimately his work stands as a call to action, urging a rekindling of civic engagement (much like what Tocqueville saw when he came to America) and a rebuilding of the communal infrastructure as essential pathways toward a more connected, participatory, and thriving society.
Practical Applications:
As we navigate the complexities of modern society, the timeless insights of thinkers like Edmund Burke, Alexis de Tocqueville, Wendell Berry, and Robert Putman on the importance of the community have never been more relevant. In an era characterized by rapid technological advances, urbanization, and social fragmentation, the quest to foster strong community ties presents both a challenge and an opportunity. One example of the application of these theories is community-supported agriculture that echoes Berry’s call for sustainable living; we have one in Kentucky at the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, they say this about their program, “The CSA project links faculty, staff, and students from the UK community with the Organic Farming Unit located at the UK Horticulture Research Farm. The CSA project is not a commercial farm and is not managed for profit. All financial proceeds from the sale of CSA shares support the production of food during the growing season, student and staff educational activities, research, and outreach.” Another application of these crucial community-building theories is the Genesis project in Washington, DC. This project draws (likely unknowingly) on the theories of Burke and Putman and places young moms in the homes of seniors living on fixed incomes and other community-minded families. Here is some information on the program, “Launched in November 2015 and located at Mi Casa’s affordable rental property 6925 Georgia Ave NW, Genesis is based on a national model of intergenerational communities in which older adults provide meaningful care and social support to individuals and families facing particular vulnerabilities, who in turn, promote the well-being of the elders as they age. At Genesis, young moms who grew up in foster care live alongside seniors living on fixed incomes and other community-minded families.” This allows the young families to both support and learn from the older people that they are assigned to live with creating a stronger sense of community and helping the young individuals build communal bonds that will last a lifetime. A final organization that is putting community building into practice is Kiwanis International. Kiwanis International is a social club that is committed to improving the world “one child and one community at a time.” My knowledge of the Kiwanis Club came early, as my father has been a member for as long as I can remember. Over the history of the local chapter in Corbin (my hometown), they have done things like build the first passenger road into Cumberland Falls and give scholarships to local students who are going off to college. These examples not only demonstrate the enduring value of community but also offer a roadmap for rebuilding the social fabric in diverse and innovative ways. They remind us that, despite the obstacles, the spirit of community can flourish, knitting together the past, present, and future into a cohesive and resilient whole.
The Role of Individuals and Policy in Reviving Community Ties:
Individuals play a foundational role in reviving community ties through their daily actions, choices, and interactions. This begins with a commitment to civic engagement (as discussed in Burke and Tocqueville’s work), whether through participation in local governments, volunteering for community-based initiatives, or simply fostering stronger relationships with neighbors. The spirit of individual responsibility toward community well-being is a thread that runs through Berry’s advocacy for localism and Putman’s analysis of social capital. It is the idea that the health of the community reflects the sum of its members’ contributions. Engaging in local problem-solving, supporting small businesses, and participating in or organizing community events are practical ways individuals can strengthen community bonds.
While individual efforts are crucial, supportive policies are important in creating an environment where authentic community ties can flourish. Policies that encourage community-based solutions to local problems, from environmental conservation to social services, can empower communities and make participation more accessible and effective. Furthermore, education policies that include community service and civic education components (like what we have in the McConnell Center) can instill the value of community engagement from a young age. Economic policies play a significant role as well. Tax incentives for small businesses and investment in local economies can help sustain the economic underpinnings of community life, reflecting Berry’s vision of a sustainable, locally-focused economy.
Conclusion:
As we weave together the insights from Burke, Tocqueville, Berry, and Putman, a compelling narrative emerges on the importance of community in the foundation of a strong nation. Throughout this article, the critical thread has been the understanding that the liveliness of our democracy, the sustainability of our environment, and the cohesion of our social fabric are all profoundly influenced by the strength of our community bonds. The examples highlighted illustrate not only the theoretical underpinnings provided by these thinkers but also the tangible ways in which communities across the spectrum are innovating and revitalizing these essential connections. This journey underscores a collective responsibility: to forge from the wisdom of the past and the challenges of the present, a legacy of strengthened community ties for future generations. In doing so, we affirm that the essence of a robust nation lies not in the might of its economy or the reach of its military, but in the depth of its commitment to fostering genuine, enduring connections among its people. I am thankful to be a part of several communities that are helping to strengthen the societal fabric, namely my church at home, and the McConnell Center (From Kentucky, For Kentucky) here in Louisville. I hope only that I can live up to the standard that others have forged before me.
Shelby, of Corbin, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2025 at the University of Louisville where he is studying economics and political science.