They may be essentially exclusionary as is Amish social space, visually separating themselves from others in the style and construction of their vehicles, their dress, and their speech. The Village Square, The Zocalo , The Plaza, The Common are historic social spaces, organized geographically at the center of settlements where people meet to socialize and conduct business. Here possession of space, of views, of equipment, and of staff signify status. Communication is formalized, by memos, and by mastheads on letters, and yet interaction among office-inhabitants may be extremely informal. Friendships and enemies are made, secret negotiations and public alliances, trivial talk and important communications take place.
Social space is a dynamic realm where individuals make decisions, act and interact with each other.
It is the realm of exclusions and inclusions, membership and boundary where people and their cultural institutions collide and intersect. Here are democracy and slavery, ritual and law, taboo and anarchy. Here also are creative acts and communication, reaching across barriers, and evolutions of thought and perception. Oaxacan Marketplace Oaxacan marketplace . . . this drowsy capital city of southern Mexico. The slow daily rhythm of candy vendors in the streets and businessmen sipping coca colas under the awnings of the hotel cafes.