What is a “Third Place”?
Where do you go when you’re not at work or at home? Do you have a place that makes you feel safe and always welcome? Then, that is your third place. The concept of the “third place” was popularized by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book “The Great Good Place,” published in 1989. The “third place” refers to a place or a space outside of home (your “first place”) and work (your “second place”). It is a space where people gather, interact, and engage in community life.
According to Oldenburg, third places are crucial for fostering a sense of community, social interaction, and engagement. Typically, they are informal and inclusive spaces where people feel comfortable enough to establish relationships outside of their immediate social circles. A third place can look different to any number of people. However, there are key characteristics of a third place that everyone agrees make up a third place. For starters, they are a neutral ground. One that is accessible to people from various backgrounds. They are not meant to be tied to specific social or economic hierarchies, meaning anyone can enter and make it their space.
Third places are meant to level the playing field. Individuals are considered equal and can interact without the formalities often present in first and second place k environments. Status and class are irrelevant because these are not meant to be places of stress or worries. Unlike home or work – where you have responsibilities and stressors – the primary activity in third places is conversation. It’s a space for relaxed and spontaneous interaction. Strangers can become friends because you are brought together to have a good time. These places are meant to be accessible and part of your life, not something you have to go out of your way to find. Providing a sense of familiarity and consistency should be one of their goals.
Ideally, it’s your home away from home, to serve as an extension of one’s personal space. They become a comfortable and welcoming environment where people can relax and be themselves, and in return, you can feel a sense of ownership.
How to Find Your Third Place
Living in a world where remote learning and work can create a meshing of one’s personal life and professional life. The habit of staying in can make it harder to venture out into new spaces. For some, it would mean finding a SECOND place. Especially in America, it can be hard to find a space that feels warm and inviting. In the context of our society, where factors such as suburban living, car-centric lifestyles, and a fast-paced work culture can sometimes lead to a sense of social isolation, people find it difficult to feel comfortable in a space that isn’t inherently theirs. So, to find this third place, you should start with a bit of self-reflection. Ask yourself what kind of activities or environments make you happy. If you won’t enjoy what you’re doing outside of your home, you won’t make it a regular part of your routine.
For instance, an outdoorsy person would possibly consider making a walk in the park a regular part of their evening. Public parks are free and often have community events if you know how to find them. On the other hand, if you prefer to stay indoors, there are plenty of places that will accommodate you behind closed doors. Libraries are one of the only places where you are not expected to spend any money. This quiet environment often hosts workshops and classes where you can learn new skills or meet new people.
Bars or cafes are also great places to stop in and decompress, even if they aren’t free. Local joints may put on weekly trivia nights or poetry readings that attract different people who are looking for social interactions as well. Museums often give free or discounted tickets to locals and college students. They host many other activities that don’t have to break your bank while you are in school.
While it may take a bit of time to make a place feel like your home away from home, it is still possible. You might have to do some research to find the right place for you. Using sites like Eventbrite that announce events in advance, can definitely be a tool to guide you. Although it may seem like everywhere is intimidating and inaccessible at first, there are still spaces to daydream and connect with others. Investing in third places can be crucial to building strong communities and social bonds. These spaces contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and foster a sense of belonging and connectedness in society.
