The article examines the philosophical concept of social community R. Nisbet. Demonstrates the relevance of the methodology developed by American scientists. The substantiation of the idea that the community is an essential form of social existence, mediating the interaction of the individual and large-scale social structures. Nisbet describes demonstration origins decline ideas and social practices in the community of philosophical and social attitudes Nouveau era. However, the community is not only as a form of existence that existed in the past and lost, but as actual social form, continues to define identity and developing. Feature of Russian society at the present stage of development is characterized by weakness of community structures and the decline of social trust. This is the reason not only social, but also economic and political problems. Adoption of the community and voluntary association of individuals for sharing a common goal is not only a prerequisite for sustainable social development, but also a prerequisite for an effective morality.