This paper explores the concept and the theorizing of “place,” and more specifically, what the politics of such theorizing involves. The paper also examines the relationship between the sense of place and health related behaviors and the social determinants of health. The goal is to develop an ideal of civic place, a political theory of place, and an understanding of place-making as a civic practice. To this end the paper identifies two core values: membership and mutuality. Membership is essentially civic inasmuch as it requires parity of voice and participation and the recognition of equal standing. Mutuality requires a parity of care and respect; it is essentially a kind of civic solidarity. Membership and mutuality are fundamental to public health ethics. Viewing them from a civic place perspective opens the way to an understanding of public health as the practice of justice through healthy place making.
