Crow, G., G. Allan, et al. (2002). "Neither busybodies nor bodies: managing proximity and distance in neighbourly relations." Sociology 36(1): 127-145.
This article examines community through the lens of neighbourly relations in a small town on the south coast of England in the late 1990s.The research findings are based on semi-structured interviews on neighbour relations with residents in a seaside town of 6000 people on the Isle of Wight. The article argues that neighbouring relationships involve a skilful balance between 'keeping one's distance' and 'being there when needed', with little evidence of stereotypical neighbourly behaviour of either extreme of nosy neighbours or recluses. The article contributes to understanding community and neighbour relations as going beyond the busybody/nobody dichotomy, particularly in the context of complex community relations within a 'globalised' world where local ties still matter.