Question

What does Robert Putnam argue about social capital when he says that Americans today are 'bowling alone'?
Do you think this means our society is in trouble?
What roles might the internet play in this?

Answer 1

Putnam brings out the declining trend in people participating in the social institutions for various reasons. Although there are many social, economic and cultural reasons, he suggests that technology has played a most important role in causing this decline. The inventions of television and internet has played a dominant role in taking people to a virtual environment in which Putnam believes would develop the human capital. According to Putnam, people are becoming increasingly individualistic with a decline in believing in the social institutions because of the changing social environment. This would mean that people would also become insensitive to the events that occurs in the society as long as they are fed and entertained. Thus, he is right in suggesting that human capital is falling steadily and people are becoming islands which makes them bowl alone without anyone on the other side to respond. However, internet would help people overcome the physical barriers and create virtual environments where people could come together by fighting their differences.

Thank you for the question. Please rate if you like the answer.