Communication and Social Networks (Fall 2023)/Putnam summary

Robert Putnam argues that civic engagement and social connectedness in the United States has declined over the past few decades. He presents evidence of declining political participation, including decreasing voter turnout and public meeting attendance since the 1960s. Putnam also shows declining membership in organizations like churches, labor unions, parent-teacher associations, civic and fraternal organizations since the 1950s and 1960s. More people are bowling alone rather than in leagues. Neighborliness and social trust have declined as well based on survey data.

Putnam considers some potential countertrends like the growth of national advocacy groups and support groups. However, he argues these tertiary groups do not necessarily foster the same kind of social capital, networks and norms of reciprocity, as traditional civic organizations. Analyzing General Social Survey data confirms the decline in associational memberships across educational levels since the 1960s and 1970s. International comparisons also show that despite still ranking relatively high in social capital, the U.S. has been experiencing notable erosion compared to other countries.

In examining why social capital is declining, Putnam considers factors like women entering the workforce, mobility, other demographic shifts, and the privatizing effect of television and electronic entertainment. He calls for further research to analyze the dimensions of social capital, effects of technology, social capital in the workplace, and costs/benefits of community engagement. Putnam also suggests exploring how public policy could aim to reverse these adverse trends.

The concept of social capital has relevance for democracies and democratizing societies. Putnam argues the decline of civic engagement in the U.S. may signify a democratic disarray that links to the erosion of social capital. He concludes by calling for ways to restore civic engagement and trust.