[Swizec]

> For example, locals know not to make eye contact while out and about

I believe this is a city thing. We have the same back home in Ljubljana.

The social contract in cities seems to be one of politely ignoring each others’ existence.

[jvm___]

My theory. The social contract varies in proportion with the available resources.

In cities the friendliness is missing because you don't need to rely on others for food/water or anything else, you can just purchase it nearby.

When resources run out that's where the social contract becomes more social.

Camping trip and need a match to start your campfire? Your neighbor will happily chat with you.

Power outage. People on the street become way more friendly.

Transit failure. People are more likely to help arrange transport or chat as they wait.

Snowstorm snowed you in. That's how you meet the new neighbors who are also out shovelling.

[harimau777]

I sort of interpreted it an inverse way:

In a city, the limited resources are emotional/social energy, sense of privacy, etc. So the social contract is to conserve them by politely not noticing each other; thereby allowing people to maintain the reserves necessary to get through the day.