Bowling Alone Objects/Places

Social Capital

Social capital is the fellowship, social intercourse, and good will that occurs from a social unit. It is both a private good and a public good.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity is giving to another, without knowing when or if the favor will be returned. Putnam argues that this is an important part

of social capital.

Bonding Social Capital

This type of social capital is more inward looking and creates exclusive groups. Examples may include country clubs and fraternal

organizations.

Bridging Social Capital

Bridging social capital looks outward and brings together people from diverse social positions.

Small Groups

Small groups, such as reading groups and self-help groups, appear to be weathering the decline better than other types. Self-help

groups, in particular, appear to have added members over the last half century. These groups may provide support and social

capital to individuals who may not have other ways of getting it.

Telecommunications

Communicating via the telephone or over the internet is somewhat of a double-edged sword. While this type of communication has remained popular, it does cut down on face-to-face interactions. It is unclear what the long term effects of telecommunications will

be on society.

Financial Anxiety

Putnam argues that financial pressures, particularly anxiety about finances, accounts for about ten percent of the overall decline in

civic participation. He also ties in the growth of women in the workforce, arguing that women who have to work out of necessity are less likely to participate in civic affairs.

Sprawl

The sprawl caused by the growth of suburbs accounts for about ten percent in the decline of civic engagement, according to

Putnam. This sprawl takes time away from civic affairs and interferes with a community's boundedness.

The Mass Media

Putnam argues that television might account for about twenty-five percent of the overall decline in social connectedness and

participation. He argues that television is a solitary activity that increases passivity and lethargy and that it takes time away from

other activities, including civic engagement.

Generational Change

Putnam argues that generational change accounts for about half of the decline in civic participation. The generations after WWII

have focused more on the individual and have been less active in civic affairs than the generation born and raised before WWII.

The Gilded Age and Progressive Era

Americans in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century also experienced a decline in social capital. They responded by

forming new organizations and ways of participating to increase it age