Author and social researcher Hugh Mackay is coming to Riverside Theatres to discuss how humans need communities to survive.
In his latest book, The Art of Belonging, Mackay argues that a sense of belonging and living within a community is an important feature of a fulfilled life.
"We have been so obsessed with the self, me, and obsessed with the idea of my personal identity and happiness that I think we've lost sight of the fact our personal identity makes no sense by itself," Mackay said.
He believes factors in western society such as divorce rates, lower birth rates, busy two-income households, single-person households, prevalence of single vehicle transport and more of our lives moving online have all contributed to the fragmentation of communities.
In his book, Mackay invented a fictional suburb called Southwood and populated it with characters he hopes the readers will recognise in themselves, or in those around them.
The fictional elements are used to bring to life the social analysis and research Mackay has compiled about the importance of belonging.
"The increasing sense that we are a bit fragmented and don't feel integrated is one of the many factors that have contributed to the epidemic of anxiety and depression," he said.
Mackay believes western Sydney is one of the most interesting places in Australia right now because the changes shaping the nation are happening at an accelerated here, making community a challenge.
And he believes high-density housing is a mistake because at a certain point people begin disengaging to protect their own privacy instead of engaging in community.
"High density brings out the worst in us because it's too concentrated and communities are harder to make work," he said.
■ Details: Hugh Mackay: The Art of Belonging (event code: SR45). Riverside Theatres Parramatta, 7.30pm, Friday, May 22. Tickets: $18. Book here or call 8839 3399.
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