Introduction 

Where do you belong? Most Africans would answer this question with a community they belong to rather than a place. This is rooted in African cultures that affirmed every individual was part of something bigger. From the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu (I am because we are) to the Borana Oromo, Buusaa-gonofaa, a mutual aid system that ensured no one was left behind. The cultural sense of belonging has evolved and taken different forms along with development and modern living.

The Making of Community

The foundations of community were built by instilling cultural values of shared responsibility and unity from a young age. People used to live in homesteads that often had more than two homes, reinforcing togetherness through daily interactions. In addition, work like farming and weaving baskets was done collectively, while entertainment was centred around community life through dance, music, solving riddles, playing games, storytelling, and watching the stars together.

Painting a Life in Community

Attending celebrations and hardships together. Borrowing daily amenities like salt from each other’s houses. Welcoming unannounced visitors with open arms. Sharing problems under the blanket of moonlight. Having uncles and aunts who were not necessarily your blood relatives. Decision-making was an affair that involved more people. No one ever truly went hungry; everyone was taken care of, whether they contributed or not. Communal living fosters a strong cultural identity. Being immersed in one’s culture and heritage allows people to feel that they belong in a corner of this big earth. It creates communities where people support one another, share responsibilities, and strengthen relationships. However, communal living can also have disadvantages. Decision-making is often shared, leaving individuals with less autonomy, and choosing not to conform may cause ostracisation.

Community in the Modern World

Modern living is often characterised by rarely interacting with neighbours. Relationships have become more transactional, where friendships often end when they are no longer beneficial. Many people go through difficult times and celebrate life’s joys alone. This growing sense of isolation has been linked to personal challenges such as depression. However, modern living offers greater privacy, more power in decision-making, and the freedom to live life according to one’s own preferences, and more opportunity to enjoy the fruits of one’s own labour. Much of this shift has been driven by capitalism, urbanisation, globalisation, people’s desire to see more of the world, and an increasing sense of individuality. Through these changes, the social cohesion that came naturally through culture is no longer guaranteed

How can the Modern Man create Social Cohesion?

This could mean creating more spaces for interactions while living in urban areas: parks, cafes, residential events to encourage connection: baking fairs, tech fairs, cooking fairs, cultural showcases, and book clubs. It also involves taking part in already existing communities such as schools, religious, and sports activities. Moreover, making conscious efforts to build genuine relationships based on shared interests.

Conclusion 

The art of finding and creating social bonds in the contemporary world has not been lost. Embracing progress while preserving the positive cultural values paves the way to staying connected and feeling included. How people experience community has changed, and now more than ever relies on intentional efforts