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My hypothesis is it's connected to the decline in religion, or, more specifically, the mandatory church on Sunday type of religion, no matter what flavor it too
by Zach_the_Lizard 3y ago
My hypothesis is it's connected to the decline in religion, or, more specifically, the mandatory church on Sunday type of religion, no matter what flavor it took.
A built in semi-mandatory third place seems pretty nifty as far as building social relationships goes.
I'm an atheist but I do remember building bonds this way in those heady pre-smartphone days. It's a shame the baby is stuck in the bathwater.
- waboremo 3y agoThe decline in religion happened after the increase of convenience. Hence the popularity of televised religious content.
- mcv 3y agoMy church started streaming services during the Covid lockdowns, but it's really not the same as being there.
- hoseja 3y agoI think it's deliberate because plebs socializing is a destabilizing factor to the state.
- woodruffw 3y agoReligious buildings can be third places, but the kind Christian churches that have faded out of American public life fail the “neutral ground” condition: there’s usually strong social and community pressure to make appearances, meaning that individuals can’t come and go as they please. This is in contrast with dominant religions (including Christianity) in other countries.
- slothtrop 3y agoSuicide rates in men are highest in rural areas, which also have highest Church attendance. Does not track. From experience, going to church doesn't necessarily mean you'll connect with other families. At most I've seen extended family co-mingling at a family member's place or resto after service. Living in the city, there is no shortage of ways to connect with others on the physical plane, should one choose to do so. Though it's hampered by zoning and the convenience of the virtualization of all experiences.