Because of individualism, Americans embrace lifestyle enclaves, whereby we turn toward others who share intimacies with us. Typically, these are similar socioeconomic situations but there are a variety of lifestyle enclaves. Modern lifestyle enclaves are centered on individual choice that frees it from traditional ethnic and religious boundaries. Community attempts to be an inclusive whole, advocating interdependence of public and private life. Conversely, lifestyle is segmented and advances similarity. This is critical as it undermines community and civic sensibilities. Enclaves create self-interested, idiosyncratic communities/entities that are based on consumption and ultimately lacks diversity and equality (Bellah, 1985).
