Third place

In sociology, a third place is a social space separate from the two usual social environments of home and workplace. Examples of third places include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, libraries, gyms, bookstores, hackerspaces, stoops, parks, and theaters. In his book The Great Good Place (1989), Ray Oldenburg argues that third places are important for democracy, civic engagement, and a sense of place. In the 2023 edition, Oldenburg’s coauthor Karen Christensen argues that third places are the answer to loneliness, political polarization, and climate resilience. She also clarifies the difference between third places and public spaces.