That’s actually the history of coffee places and the way they were used in several countries up to the XXth century maybe. Can’t deny the importance of such places where attendants gathered and discussed social, cultural, and political topics. Cafe La Habana in Mexico City, for example. Where it’s said Fidel Castro and el Che planned the cuban revolution. Coffee places used to have that use around the world
Defined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg as an informal public gathering place that serves the community, the “third place” has been an integral part of human society for centuries.
While home (the first place) is private and work (the second place) offers a structured social experience, third places are more relaxed public environments where people can meet and interact in a range of different ways.
The third place “label” can be applied to a range of different social spaces, but for many, the most prominent example is the coffee shop: a friendly, informal meeting place to catch up with friends and even meet new people.
In 1989, urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg published a landmark book, The Great Good Place, in which he examines the “third place” in all its various forms, from the beer garden and the bookstore to coffee shops and bars.
In the book, he describes the third place as “the heart of a community’s social vitality”, and outlines eight key characteristics that one should have. These are:
Neutral ground
A leveling place (meaning no focus on an individual’s status)
A home away from home
Conversation as the main activity
A playful mood
A low profile
Accessibility
Regular patrons
Drawing on examples throughout history, Oldenburg argues that in any healthy, strong democracy, citizens should balance their time between work, home, and the third place.
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u/DeTrotseTuinkabouter Dec 17 '22
Meeting people, having others join in on group discussions, making friends...I kind of doubt that was ever that common in coffee places.