One key piece of this that I think it overlooked is how our socio-economy has sold most of us on our difference, we've been very actively individuating and seeking signs of distinction that happen to be items and services we can buy.

Adam Curtis made a great documentary that explores this: Century of the Self https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ3RzGoQC4s

All that may make it harder to just "bond with the neighbors", as some in these comments suggest.