While I find the bowling evidence quite unconvincing (maybe people are
bowling in social, non-competitive groups?), Putnam's data on voting,
membership in civic groups, etc. does point to a decay of sorts in what he
calls "social capital."
But how do we reconcile this with the remarkable growth of community service
among college students in the last decade?
One explanation we might pursue is that a generational shift could be
occurring. Maybe now that the "me" generation is reaching middle age they
are among the non-voters, non-joiners and lonely bowlers out there
that account for some of Putnam's social data. Meanwhile their children
seem to be connecting with their communities, at least while at college,
in record numbers.
Just a hopeful thought.
Dr. Gary R. Miller
Office of the Chaplain
Lafayette College
Easton, PA 18042
610-250-5320
millerg@lafayette.edu
http://www.lafayette.edu/millerg/outreach.html
http://www.lafayette.edu/millerg/rellife.html
http://www.lafayette.edu/millerg/fyshome.html