Sweden s rulers, for example, banned the drinking of coffee in the eighteenth century. Officialdom was convinced that the coffeehouses were dens of subversion where malcontents planned revolts. Oldenburg believes that the reinvigoration of grass-roots political society is needed but for this to occur the reestablishment of public gathering spaces is essential. Other benefits will accrue as well, as people begin to feel that more and more space outside the home belongs to them. People who feel a sense of ownership of a place tend to act more responsibly and they monitor what is happening.
Third places help the village raise the child.
Much to his credit, Oldenburg elevates the status of places often denigrated by public officials, planners, and even the general public, by pointing out the valuable psychological, social and political functions served by places commonly referred to as hangouts. Second, he gives us a call to action, for all of us to work in the face of the private commercialization of space to preserve existing third places and to develop many new and better ones. Third places provide a place for people to get to know each other. A third place can act serve as a neutral ground which provides an ease of association. They provide a sorting area where one can meet people with similar interests.