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Porch sitting, i.e., sitting on a front porch or stoop, usually of a private residence is a leisure activity which can be a direct or indirect form of social interaction. The activity is a staple of most urban areas in the United States and helps contribute to a lively atmosphere for the people sitting and also for passers-by. It is most common during good weather, especially on warm summer nights and weekends.[1]
Porch sitting was once considered to be a status symbol.[2]
As well as being a good way to connect with neighbors, it is also an important form of community security by helping to prevent crime.[3] Front porches were originally mandated in the planned community of Seaside, Florida, as a way to reduce air conditioning usage.[4] Its planners perceived an enhanced sense of community and front porches subsequently became an important element in the New Urbanism movement.[4] During the summer of 2006, All Things Considered broadcast a series of stories dedicated to the role of the front porch in American life and literature.[5]
There are now thousands of (tongue-in-cheek) Professional Porch Sitters Unions in all 50 U.S. states and at least three other countries.[6]
- ^ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Sep 4, 1974 Front Porch Sitting in Pittsburgh
- ^ The Milwaukee Journal - Jul 20, 1966 When the Swing was King, Porch Sitting Once Was a Status Symbol.[dead link]
- ^ Published on July 11, 2007, Advocate, The (Baton Rouge, LA) Advocate, The : Porch-sitting prevents crime
- ^ a b "Porches Knit Together New Urbanist Communities". NPR. 2006-08-01. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
- ^ "Sitting on the Porch: Not a Place, But a State of Mind". NPR. 2006-07-28. Retrieved 2011-02-16.
- ^ CBS news Professional Porch Sitters Unite