Community service activities reducing hate crimes and extremism: A "green intervention" approach. Issue 3 (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoffman, August John
• Is Part Of: Journal of prevention & intervention in the community. Volume 48:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: Biophilia -- ethnic conflict -- extremism -- green space environments; Preventive health services -- Periodicals; Preventive health services -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2019.1625606
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1085-2352

Abstract

Abstract: This brief review examines the topics of evolutionary psychology, community development, and human preferences towards "green space" environments as an effective intervention model to reduce ethnic conflict and violence. The term "Biophilia" is introduced to describe the innate human preference to specific types of outdoor or natural (i.e., "green space") environments and how humans as a species have evolved to adapt and prefer greener environments that promote health and sustainability. Communities that provide individuals with increased opportunities of positive contact and to interact with each other in the development of superordinate goals will help to promote greater understanding among ethnically diverse environments and ultimately reduce conflict. Suggestions are offered for further research addressing the inherent benefits of "green" sustainable programs in community development as a means of reducing conflict and promoting increased health and empowerment.