Neighborhood relations mainly have the functions of mutual support and socialization, and sometimes they also have the function of social control. The function of mutual assistance mainly refers to providing reasonable mutual protection and mutual help in a small scope, so that neighbors can have a sense of security and trust, exchange things needed in life and solve life problems. The function of socialization is that the neighborhood provides a set of values and norms to educate the neighborhood residents and their children; Neighborhood also provides residents with various social contacts and is the medium for residents to communicate with the external community. The social control function of neighborhood restricts residents' behavior, adjusts residents' relationship and maintains the consistency of community through related activities and norms. In rural communities, the functions of neighborhoods are more valued and more complete than those of cities.

The structure, norms and activities of neighborhood relations are restricted by local communities. Larger communities generally only put restrictions within the acceptable range of neighboring groups. If the restriction is beyond the acceptable range, it will cause opposition from neighbors. As a large system, the community should adjust the interests of all parties and straighten out the neighborhood relations in its jurisdiction. The interaction between neighbors is significantly different from that between relatives and friends. The interaction between relatives is based on the social kinship system and the traditional norms of mutual recognition. The interaction between friends depends on the mutual confirmation of contracts or commitments between individuals. The communication between neighbors first needs the geographical conditions of living between neighbors, and then based on the recognition of local cultural norms. Neighborhood communication in rural areas is also related to blood. With the development of industrialization and urbanization, the connotation, composition, interaction and cohesion of neighborhood are changing. For example, the relationship between neighbors may not be close, but people who don't live in the immediate neighborhood can strengthen their ties through communication and transportation facilities.

Neighborhood action system consists of core group and gap group. Factor group refers to the family or nuclear family that is consistent with the family. There are two kinds of crevice groups: ① volunteer groups, such as children's play groups and housewives' party activities groups. (2) Formal groups, such as residents' groups and villagers' groups under China residents' committees or villagers' committees.

The main basis of neighborhood action is to identify with a set of obligations. Individuals voluntarily assume or occupy the role of neighbors. Neighborhood relations transcend family relations. The family is a closed and exclusive group. Neighborhood is an open group with clear goals and welcome to participate.