Following on the four kinds os belonging ’space’ that Edward T. Hall identifies (see previous post), Social Space can be though of as the informal and semi-formal spaces where we get to know people, mix socially, and often make new friends – for example a barbecue, morning tea after church, a party, a work social, gathering. Often there are ‘regulars’ who are good friends and others who are newcomers or occasional visitors.
There are varied levels of friendship and relationship in this space. This is the zone for everyday surface chit-chat about the sport, the weather, politics, etc. It is also where we meet people for the first time and choose what we will tell them about ourselves. Through casual conversation we decide with whom it is that we might wish to become better acquainted, where friendships are formed.
Other church examples would include a Play Group, a Men’s Breakfast (perhaps), a monthly family BBQ. For many churches, their after-service cuppa is intended to be this kind of space (however in some cases, this is more like ‘personal space’).
People seek and need to belong in Social Spaces, as there is free opportunity to interact without the pressure to ‘go deeper’. People often come to social spaces through personal invitation – they do not initially have any long-term commitment to attendance – nevertheless, the sense of belonging in sich spaces is important and can lead to deeper belonging.
People need to see these social spaces as non-threatening, or they will limit their self-disclosure and choose not to come back! If the space is seen as too ‘personal’, manufactured or controlling, people are unlikely to see it as welcoming.
One question for the church is the extent to which our social spaces are organised around our buildings, our schedules and our interests. It’s also worth asking to what extent these opportunities take place in and around the homes of church members.
I also wonder whether non-churchgoers see our worship gatherings as ‘personal’ space rather than ’social’ space.