Elements of Community at Henry’s Coffee House in Lawrence, Kansas
There are many elements that help shape a community. These elements can be observed with a meticulous analysis of the actions of the community members. In this essay, the various components of a community at a coffee house called Henry’s will be analyzed. Communities involve territory, interaction amongst members, and how the members utilize their space. The community at Henry’s exhibits these same characteristics within its smaller sub-communities and the community as a whole.
Before a major analysis can begin, the atmosphere and general layout of Henry’s must be described. The room itself is not a large one; it is big enough to comfortably hold about 20 people. However, there are generally more people in the room on Friday and Saturday evenings. The employees’ area occupies nearly one third of the room and causes the customers’ area to appear in a u-shape. Behind the employees’ area and farthest from the door is a secluded area that has two tables and a small bar. On the opposite end is an area near the windows that is still somewhat secluded but is more noticeable. Directly in front of the door is the area I will refer to as the “common area”. This area is the largest, most noticeable, and contains more places to sit-these will all become important later on in the essay. The room is arranged in such a way that individuals and groups can choose to be secluded in a corner or in the common area where they can witness the various activities occurring within Henry’s.
As is typical with many coffee houses, some people come to study and/or to be left alone-these people will be referred to as “loners”. The loners usually avoid eye contact and various items such as books, papers, or their bag take up most of the space on the table. These items are used as markers to signify to others not to sit near them or speak to them. Markers serve as a warning device for others not to violate the occupant’s personal space (Taylor and Brooks, 136). These individuals frequently sit in the back or occasionally by the windows. It is difficult for the people who sit in the back to see or be seen by others. Therefore, it becomes less likely for them to interact with others either in the immediate vicinity or in the other areas.
Other groups seem to have a defined purpose. These formal groups separate themselves from others but occasionally interact with various other groups. Formal groups tend to sit near the windows. This area allows them to be secluded but still able to see the other activities. One formal group is planning a theatrical performance. This smaller community has a definite leader who tells the others what to wear and when to meet on the day of the performance. Another smaller group consists of two men studying. This group of two occasionally interacts with a larger group of five people. Inevitably, though, the men return to their original space to study. Hence, studying is the defined purpose and the reason it is considered a formal group. Formal groups “offer a place where a diverse group of people are brought together for a formal purpose. (It) provides a common activity and discussion for people” (Mattison and Duncombe, 136).
Finally, the third sub-community is the large social groups most often located in the common area either sitting at a table or standing due to the abundance of people in the social groups and the lack of space. They do not have a defined purpose and discuss things at whim. They are also more likely to interact with other groups nearby. These people come to interact with others and develop what Robert D. Putnam calls “social capital”. Social capital consists of a network of reciprocal social relations (Putnam, 19). Despite the social groups’ limitless nature, they limit who can become a member. Often a particular stance is used to signify to a person if they are welcome to join or not. For instance, if someone who is welcome interacts with the group, the members stand facing the person with a warm smile and an expression that signifies interest in what the person has to say. If the person is unwelcome, the members turn their backs to the person or stand in such a way that it is difficult for the person to see everyone’s face.
Despite the differences of the three specified sub-communities, they all share the concept of territory. Territory plays a crucial role for each group and individual. In fact, more often than not, when a group enters Henry’s, they send a scout to find an acceptable territory. The scout then marks the territory with his or her presence, thus guarding the new territory. He or she is rewarded by not having to stand in line for their drink. Sometimes, the other members purchase the drink for the scout, thus emphasizing the importance of claiming a territory.
Each group defines its borders both physically and mentally. The social groups are continuously redefining their borders as the group size fluctuates. The tables are in such close proximity, and since space is limited, sometimes a larger group invades the borders of another’s territory. The loner or members of the group whose territory is being invaded react by moving their chairs. The chairs may only be moved a few inches but it functions not only as a physical border, but also as a mental border. This action serves as a signal that their territory is being invaded. Though this may appear to inhibit community it actually promotes it. While these segregated zones impede interaction in many ways, the security provided by having a safe and familiar place where one can feel a sense of belonging is, for many, a necessity for social interaction (M & D, 137). Thus, the groups’ selective and segregated nature actually promotes community because being surrounded by one’s acquaintances, as opposed to strangers, allows the individuals to more freely express themselves. They are more familiar with the group’s norms and are less concerned with accidentally stumbling onto topics that are considered taboo by the other members.
Within the larger community of Henry’s, there are a few individuals who have social capital in at least some of the three sub-community categories. They interact with several groups and sometimes even loners. These individuals are often welcomed in each group. Some members proceed to welcome them with physical contact-that is, they welcome the individuals with an embrace that signifies friendship or some other kind of mental bond. These people have apparently been involved with the community for a longer period of time. Therefore, the amount of time one is active in the community must increase the amount of social capital one gains.
The ambience of Henry’s plays a crucial role for the community members. The dim lighting and the close proximity of the seating influence how individuals interact with others. These characteristics have a greater impact on the social groups since these groups do not have a defined purpose and are more prone to drifting conversation topics. The intimate feeling caused by the dim lighting and the close proximity of the seating encourages the members to interact with others on a more personal level rather than a professional one. This aids the participants in developing strong relationships. These relationships build each person’s social capital ensuring that they will have others to rely on.
The community at Henry’s serves as a forum for a limited amount of political activity. Many people discuss politics and other related issues. This can be considered a form of political activity. Though it may appear in the simple form of conversation, it aids in establishing the members’ opinions and influencing their political persuasion. The members not only develop their own opinions but also influence the opinions of others. In this way each person partakes in the community. Even the loners contribute to this element by hearing, if not responding to, the political opinions and then reevaluating their own viewpoints. Thus, all people in Henry’s participate in this community and the larger society.
People have their own reasons for going to Henry’s. Some make their purposes quite obvious. However, different groups and individuals come together or stay separate according to their own needs and affinities. What brings different groupings together? One important reason is friendship (M & D, 139). However, whether the community members of Henry’s realize it or not, the one fundamental reason for them going to Henry’s is to partake in the community, though the final result may differ for each member. Whether they build social capital, develop political opinions, or simply absorb the atmosphere, they all contribute to and participate in the community.
Bibliography
Mattson, Andrew O. Duncombe, Stephan R. “Public Space, Private Place: The Contested Terrain on Tompkins Park”, BerkeleyJournal of Sociology. V 37, 1992, pp 129-161. Thomson-Shore Inc. 1993.
Putnam, Robert D. Bowling Alone. New York: Simon and Schuster. 2000.
Taylor, Ralph B. Brooks, Debra Kaye. “TemporaryTerritories?: Responses to Intrusions In a Public Setting”, Population and Environment. V 3, n 2. New York: Human Science Press. 1980.
