In theory it works like this, in a small town everyone knows everyone, usually by name, or by association with someone who knows them by name. Violations of these values and mores are more difficult to conceal. Thus, communities such as these are more orderly and peaceful. Sociologists have given the term Gemeinschaft to this phenomenon. They pass each other on the street, going up and down their apartment building's stairs and elevators never to say hello or to talk with each other.
Suburbanites build their homes with spacious, fenced off and private backyards.
The term sociologists use to define this phenomenon, is Gesselschaft . Implied in the comparison and contrast between these two phenomena is the notion that small town living is more superior, and perhaps, more human to that of the City. The result is less crime, violence and deviance. My colleague was suburban born and raised, while I am a product of the City. More specifically, Greenpoint, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.