Celebrating the bonds that bring us together
How and why community spirit comes to the fore in times of individual need.
When Hussein Al Mansoory, a 12-year-old Sydney boy with autism and Down syndrome, went missing in early March, his family, friends, neighbours, and complete strangers mounted a thorough search.
It ended happily after 48 hours, when he was found safe and well in the fire escape of a medical centre.
It was a joyous example of what can be achieved when a community pulls together to help others in times of trouble, be it a loss through fires, storms, or floods, or after a home invasion or robbery.
It doesn’t always end well. Hundreds of people mobilised a few weeks ago when Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy disappeared during her morning jog.
After a month of fruitless searching, a man was arrested and charged with her murder.
In the aftermath, the community that had combed a wide area of bushland for weeks hoping to find Samantha alive turned its attention to honouring her memory and supporting her family.
It’s a facet of human character that we often see when things get tough. Communities band together to support each other.
Although it’s often spurred by sorrow and loss, this phenomenon underscores the resilience of human connections and our inherent drive to offer solace and aid to those in need.
At the heart of community response to tragedy lies the psychological concept of empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Empathy acts as a catalyst, compelling individuals to reach out and support those who are suffering. Altruism, or selfless concern for the well-being of others, is often a natural progression from empathy.
Research suggests that witnessing the distress of others can activate regions of the brain associated with pain, prompting an empathetic response that motivates altruistic behaviour.
Social identity theory provides another way to view community cohesion in times of tragedy.
This theory suggests that individuals derive part of their self-concept from their membership of a social group. In the face of communal adversity, this sense of belonging is intensified, leading to an increased willingness to offer support and resources.
The concept of collective effervescence, coined by sociologist Émile Durkheim, further illuminates this phenomenon.
Durkheim described it as the energy and harmony experienced by individuals when they come together in a group, which can strengthen community bonds and collective morale during difficult times.
The spirit of volunteerism, deeply ingrained in many cultures, often surfaces vigorously in the aftermath of a crisis. This sense of duty towards one’s community and the broader society can drive extensive volunteer efforts, fundraising campaigns, and other forms of assistance.
Whatever triggers the phenomenon that occurs after a traumatic incident, the shared experience of overcoming adversity can forge lasting bonds within a community, fostering a culture of mutual support that endures beyond the immediate crisis.
Acts of kindness towards, and solidarity with, those directly affected by tragedy help to weave a stronger social fabric and bode well for the future.
Or, to put it in simpler terms: kindness is always appreciated and often rewarded.
