Found this great article about the transition in America from homes with front porches to back patios.  His point is that it goes beyond architectural style, to the increase in a self-centered focus on our undisturbed privacy.  What is so hard about experiencing community for so many people is that we are culturally conditioned to horde our privacy.  We are taught that we are nothing more than individuals, and the idea of truly sharing our lives seems strange and even scary for many people.

The link is here