Once upon a time, most homes were built with an expansive porch opening out toward the street. These days, a new house is more likely to have a deck off the back and a privacy fence around the yard.

The change shows how much families are drifting away from their neighbors and their community, says Dennis K. Orthner, professor of social work and associate director of the Jordan Institute for Families.

"Families used to look out on the street and watch other families go by," he says. "By moving the front porch to the back porch, we've isolated ourselves." continue story