Community Archives

Social Justice

America Is a Utopian Experiment—and Always Has Been

We’re driven by the idea that at any time, in any context, it is always possible to start a new life and create an intentional society ruled by the beliefs of its participants. And why shouldn’t we be?

Kyle Chayka

Economics

What’s the Appeal of Angry, Polarized Media?

A new sociological study suggests watching or listening to shows that confirm our political prejudices help us feel like part of a community.

Tom Jacobs

Social Justice

The Sounds That Bind: Why We Evolved to Love Music

Two researchers provide evidence that music developed as a way to cement social bonds.

Tom Jacobs

Social Justice

Tribal Communities Explore Creative Alternatives to Incarceration

From elder meetings to equine therapy, programs focusing on healing are found to be cheaper and more effective than jail time.

Lauren Kirchner

News in Brief

Community Broadband Battles Private Telecom

Efforts to bring decent-quality Internet service to out-of-the-way corners of America often founder from private companies claiming they can't handle competition from public utilities.

Emily Badger

Environment

Building Cities With Sustainability in Mind

Municipal waste — from poop to heat — can be a valuable resource that could run our cities more cheaply and sustainably, says a hands-on Canadian ecologist.

David Richardson