Sense of community: Advances in measurement and application

This article summarizes theoretical and methodological advances In the stud y and application of a SOC, and serves as the introduction to a special iss ue devoted to this subject. Four themes emerged from the review The first w as that there continues to be a search for additional measures, despite the popularity of the SOC Index (SCI). Current investigations have begun to lo ok at individual and group level effects of a SOC. Research continues to fi nd an important and complicated relationship between the neighborhood (as a residential community) and a SOC, contrary to the proliferation of communi ties that are not based on place. Research was also discovered investigatin g the relationship between a SOC and history, attachment, and identity. A S OC was found to be used as a catalyst for community justice and change in s everal national and local initiatives. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.