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Third Places, Social Capital, and Urban Belonging in Contemporary Cities

Book Chapter

Authors: Vijaya Kittu Manda (PBMEIT, India), Theodore Tarnanidis (University of Macedonia, Greece), Bruno Sousa (UNIAG, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal), and Luzia Arantes (Águeda School of Technology and Management, University of Aveiro, Águeda, Portugal & Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-2600-1318-2.ch009

Book Name: Urban Loneliness and the Reconstruction of Community

ISBN: ISBN13: 9798260013182; ISBN13 Softcover: 9798260013199; EISBN13: 9798260013205

Publisher: IGI Global Scientific Publishing, Hershey, PA, USA

Editor(s): Luzia Arantes (Águeda School of Technology and Management, University of Aveiro, Águeda, Portugal & Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal) and Bruno Sousa (UNIAG, School of Hospitality and Tourism, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, Portugal)

Book Chapter Number: 9

Publication Date: October 3, 2026

Pages: Pages 245-272 (28 pages)

Book Chapter Link on Publisher Website

Book Link on Publisher Website

Abstract: Cities are increasingly densely populated, yet their residents are lonely and have weak neighborhood ties. This chapter explores the potential of third places, such as cafés, libraries, parks, and local markets, to mitigate this condition. It describes how third places build social capital by providing opportunities for repeated, informal, low-key social interaction. Thematic synthesis of a narrative review draws on theories of third place, social capital, and place attachment to argue that the physical form of these spaces is important, as is fostering familiarity, routine, and recognition over time. It then compares different third places on accessibility, affordability, inclusiveness, and the ability to generate repeat encounters. Special attention is given to the ability of these spaces to foster belonging among different groups, including migrants, older people, and single-person households. The chapter concludes that third places are among the most promising ways to rebuild community in contemporary cities.

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