What is a Third Place? and Do you need one?
To understand what’s a third place we first need to know what’s a first and second place. For most of us, the first place is our home which is a private and domestic space whereas the second place is our work, which in most cases has a structured hierarchy and a space where one spends most of his/her waking hours. This brings us to the third place, which is beyond the boundaries of our home and work. The third place is a social setting and a place where one can go to meet new people share ideas and thoughts.
The concept of the ‘third place’ was first coined by US sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book The Great Good Place. Some examples of third places are cafes, snooker rooms, churches/religious communities, parks and public libraries. Further, in his book Ray Oldenburg rightly suggest that third places are critical for civic engagement, community well-being and establishing a sense of being part of the wider community. For an individual, their third place should be a space where he/she can switch off their worries, relax and unwind.
Can a Third Place be virtual?
Both yes and no. Yes, for those individuals that are bedridden or just lack the energy or resources to physically go to a third place. In these cases, virtual third places play a vital role in building new connections, rekindling old ones and feeling a sense of belonging.
Nonetheless, the increase in innovations in technology coupled with the transformations of modern society has made homes places of social isolation. Homes are getting smarter with the number of devices that are getting connected to the internet but reduces the need for social interactions. Smart devices have made it convenient to buy groceries, shop online, order food and watch movies from the comfort of our homes. Social media platforms are constantly devising new ways to getting their users hooked on their platforms for extended periods of time. Thus, on a basic human level, disconnecting individuals from the broader community and reducing real human interactions. Moreover, social media platforms and click-bait content feed us with stressful and useless information resulting in an even more alienating feeling. All of this concludes that virtual third places are not really third places.
Third places are antidotes to isolation and exclusions. They are meant to reduce stress leading from artificial concerns caused by extended exposure to social media content. Additionally, conversations at third places help individuals learn more about their local community and cool stuff happening in it, which usually tend to fly under the radar.
So how do you find your third place?
Author, Ray Oldenburg details 8 characteristics of a healthy third place;
A Levelling place — A space where the social and economic status of an individual does not matter and everyone is welcome to join. There are no prerequisites for participation and joining a third place. Also, in a first and second place status and class play a significant role, however, these are neutralised in a third place.
Focus on Conversation — Engaging conversation is the backbone of a third place, where the tone is generally lively and good-natured. Political and religious differences are kept aside to promote conversations that are engaging and stimulating.
Accessible and Accommodating — This suggests that third places should be convenient to commute to, not require prior reservations and have the basic amenities.
Neutral Ground — Individuals are welcome and free to come and go as they please. They go to a third place because they want to be there. Unlike first and second places which require a time commitment, at a third place one cannot show up for days or weeks and still be welcomed upon return.
A Playful Atmosphere — Third places should have a cheerful and casual atmosphere. It should create a sense of community and a feeling of wanting to return again and again.
Have a low profile — Third places are usually located in modest and simple places. Third places are not extravagant and should not require social status to play a role. Unlike first and second places, third places are not spaces for tension or hostility, instead a space for healthy conversations, witty banter and cheerful laughter.
Regulators and Regulars — Third places will have regulars who may play the role of regulators. Regulators may be required to ensure a healthy atmosphere is maintained. Regulators also assist in welcoming and encouraging newcomers.
Home away from home — Lastly, the third place should replicate the feeling of warmth and comfort that one finds in their home. Third places should make one feel safe, comfortable, restful and reenergized, just like one feels relaxed when spending healthy restful time at their home.
Hence third places are spaces where you are welcomed and valued and you are able to let your guard down and engage in fruitful conversations.
Do you already have a third place? Or would like some help identifying one? Leave a comment.
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Podcast — Dabbling Path
