The Case for Reinventing the Modern-Day Tribe

Human beings are inherently social creatures—a statement that, while perhaps overused, remains profoundly relevant in understanding the intricacies of human behaviour and societal structures. Anthropologists and historians have reached a consensus that our early ancestors organized themselves into small tribes, typically comprising around 150 individuals. This structure was not an arbitrary manifestation but a crucial survival strategy that allowed our species to thrive in challenging environments.

The social customs, notions of fairness, ethical intuitions, and behavioural patterns developed within these tight-knit communities have endured through the ages. This persistence is partly attributable to the momentum of longstanding traditions. More fundamentally, however, these social constructs are deeply entwined with the evolutionary development of our brains. The cognitive architectures that emerged from living in such close quarters did not just dictate immediate survival strategies but also shaped our long-term motivations and incentive systems.

These ancestral social frameworks have left an indelible mark on the modern psyche. They influence our interactions, the formation of our moral compass, and even our subconscious leanings. Understanding the legacy of our tribal past is crucial for comprehending contemporary human dynamics—ranging from personal relationships to complex societal structures. In essence, the imprints of our forebears' social constructs act as a blueprint for modern human behaviour, continually guiding and shaping our interactions and societal norms.

The importance of tribal membership in early human societies was paramount, as it significantly increased one's chances of survival. Consequently, exclusion from the tribe was a grave threat, which is why ostracism today can evoke profound emotional distress and existential anxiety. This dynamic has created a deep-rooted imperative to foster bonds and cooperation within our communities.

However, the fabric of modern society differs vastly from that of our tribal ancestors. Our psychological makeup, physiological needs, and spiritual yearnings often clash with the realities of our urban lifestyles and cultural landscapes. This discord has precipitated a profound sense of suffering, with the history of the modern age being defined by the tension between our evolutionary heritage and our current living conditions. The byproduct of this tension has been the emergence of various societal challenges, which we have attempted to mitigate through ideological solidarity, shared allegiances, and communal rules.

Throughout history, religion has often shouldered the responsibility of unifying large groups of people into a single tribe, fostering a sense of belonging around a core set of beliefs. This has allowed individuals to connect with one another and engage with the spiritual realm within their community. However, many religious institutions that once provided this cohesive force are in decline, with increasing numbers of people moving away from organized religion.

In stark contrast to this trend, some communities, particularly in rural areas, have managed to preserve the tribe-like closeness that affords its members the tangible benefits of a supportive network. However, such communities are becoming increasingly scarce as the global population gravitates towards metropolitan areas.

Reflecting on these shifts, we observe that small, modern communities—often centered around religious or quasi-tribal institutions—have been able to maintain some aspects of the archaic tribe's roles and functions. The influence of churches, for instance, has historically enabled even moderately large communities to rally around shared ideologies and build connections. Nonetheless, as I stated earlier, the significance of these institutions has waned, as evidenced by surveys indicating a decline in religious affiliation in the last forty years.

The diminishing role of traditional community support structures has necessitated the intervention of government and social welfare programs. These initiatives serve as contemporary safety nets, providing assistance where community, tribe, or church once stood. Western societies, in particular, have seen a shift towards relying on government aid for support during illness or hardship, which has altered the nature of community relationships and eroded the fabric of communal bonds. This change is evident in urban environments where, despite close physical proximity, many individuals remain disconnected from their neighbours.

This post does not intend to critique social welfare programs or advocate for their discontinuation. Instead, it emphasizes the inadvertent loss of day-to-day social interaction, community belonging, and human connection—elements that were inherently part of the communal support structure. The spiritual dimension that often accompanies religious community involvement further enriches these social ties.

The erosion of these connections has contributed to what research identifies as a 'loneliness epidemic.' The repercussions of loneliness are multifaceted, affecting mental health, exacerbating stress, and increasing the risk of various physical ailments. The design of urban spaces often compounds this issue, especially in countries like Canada, where there is a noticeable absence of "third places"—public spaces that serve as social hubs beyond home and work. These are environments where diverse interactions occur, knowledge is exchanged, friendships are formed, and business networks are expanded—all within a setting that encourages casual socialisation. In contrast, certain places around the world successfully cultivate such third places, with examples including French cafés, British pubs, Polish town squares, and places of worship like churches and synagogues.

The good news is that as traditional institutions like the Christian church wane, new opportunities for community building and spiritual exploration are emerging. These shifts offer fertile ground for innovative forms of connection and communal support. While spiritual collectives are not a novel concept, the present moment affords us unprecedented means to reinvent and enhance these vital social adhesives. In this dynamic, we witness the perennial cycle of societal progress: from the demise of the old springs the potential for rebirth, from chaos emerges creation, and through change, we achieve progress. It is within this transformation that we can discover and craft novel modes of togetherness that resonate with our contemporary values and satisfy our intrinsic need for fellowship and shared purpose.