Architecture as a Tool for Social Isolation

I find the film Revolutionary Road to be a very psychologically interesting film, commenting on the realities behind suburban life. Middle class American suburban life was displayed as this ideal setting and the ultimate form of democracy. These images of happy Americans (all white) and large green backyards were sold to both Americans themselves and citizens of other countries. This notion of the perfect life was used to further demonstrate the success of democracy during the cold war, showing off the appliances, cars, and lifestyle. But is it really so great?

At no other time in human history have homo sapiens lived so far apart and yet belonged to one government entity. Throughout our history, people have lived in tribes (of usually 150 people or less) and either moved or remained in one location with these people for most of their lives (with the exception of breeding outside of the tribe). Recently (in the last few thousand years) larger nations have used religion and politics to keep larger groups of people united. Together under one governmental entity, smaller tribe-like cities house various groups of people who are joined together under similar living conditions, environmental impacts, and culture. 

Fast forward after the large push for suburban life and we see more people opting to go back to living in the city. We ask why, but I wonder more how we didn't see this coming? Humans are social creatures, isolating is not good mentally or physically.

I have to wonder at the connection between social isolation and the current state of the U.S.. People have less and less empathy for their neighbors, rights are being stripped from the public, mass shootings occur almost daily, and alcohol consumption is up. People feel more and more isolated, so much so that America seems to be splitting into two different directions. Notably, shifting attitudes seem to have a link between the suburbs and the city. 

After looking closely at the situation, I think it's fair to say that suburban life has failed. Neighborhoods tried to make a tribe-like feeling, but it still fails because people are rarely home or outside engaging in social activities (which are limited in a neighborhood) and nothing ties the people together. They don’t even work in the same area. The city continues to grow with more people deserting the suburbs after a mere 50-70 years.