Respect in the Neighbourhood: Why Neighbourliness Matters Book

Why do nods across the street and comments about the weather matter? Ideas and evidence in this book suggest that if people stop being civil to one another where they live, a perceived crisis of respect in wider society will probably follow; and that respect is what we gain from nurturing and practicing neighbourliness, not something that can be imposed by government action. "Respect in the Neighbourhood" seeks to influence policy makers at all levels and provide a rallying call for neighbourhood activists and practitioners, on issues of community safety, regeneration and governance; housing, families, young people and intergenerational projects; anti-social behaviour and criminal justice. It takes a wide view, looking at young people's behaviour, through anti-social use of cars, to the generation of disrespect by rampant individualistic consumption; and it ranges from a case study in a cul-de-sac to reviews of policy and experience in the UK, Netherlands and Flanders. It concludes that the core challenge is to develop new skills that allow us to exercise informal control without reinstating hierarchy, learning to challenge behaviour within a shared understanding; while recognising the legitimate interests of others, regardless of what we have in common with them.Read More