Robert Putnam Bowling Alone

What is meant by social capital?

Robert Putnam argues that we need economic capital, and human capital. Social capital =reciprocity + trust = community. We need relationships etc to keep society functioning. E.g.: shared norms and values etc.

What is Anglo-American capitalism?

Neo-liberalism. Very competitive and individualistic. Started with Thatcher and Reagan in the 1970s and 1980s. Less focus on welfare and community.

Has lack of money caused a decline in community?

According to Robert Putnam, it is unlikely as there is a decline in all classes, not just the poor.

Is a lack of community caused by women's increase in employment?

According to Robert Putnam, no because employed women are more likely to be involved.

Has lack of time caused a decline in community?

According to Robert Putnam, no. Americans in particular are not working any more than usual. Also, employed people are more likely be involved than the unemployed.

Is the welfare state to blame for a lack of community?

According to Robert Putnam, no. For example, Scandinavian countries have the biggest welfare states yet have the highest levels of community.

What are some explanations of the decline in community?

Capitalism. The 'consumer culture'. 'Anglo-American' capitalism. The government. The welfare state 'undermines' community. Decline in electoral votes or lack of trust of politicians? Robert Putnam argues that it is due to generation and the influence of too much television.

What did Emile Durkheim argue?

Community has changed. Pre-industrial societies were the same. In industrial societies, there is much more diversity but we have a new community; it's a dependence on each other.

What are some earlier debates surrounding community?

Functionalism, Durkheim and solidarity. Marxism and community.

Can Robert Putnam's ideas be applied to Britain?

Hall argues that social activity in Britain has held up. However, trust has declined. Education, class etc can change this. The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be involved. The middle classes are also more involved. A decline of trust may be related to economic instability, politics and lack of social integration.

Has geographical mobility caused a decline in community?

It is possible due to jobs etc but Robert Putnam argues that we are more geographically stable now than ever.

What are some criticisms?

People are still joining organisations.

What did Robert Putnam (2002) argue?

That after the 9/11 attacks, there was an increase in community.

What did Karl Marx argue?

That capitalism has undermined community. E.g.:exploitation and alienation has divided us.

What did Travis' (2010) article show?

That charity has decreased following decreasing trust of government caused by the expenses crisis.

What does Robert Putnam argue?

That community has declined.We are doing less activities together as a family etc. There is less neighbourliness and more anti-social behaviour.

What does Robert Putnam argue about Anglo-American capitalism and community?

That community was already declining before the 1970s and 1980s.

What did Norris find concerning newspaper readership and watching the news?

That higher levels of newspaper readership and watching the news resulted in higher levels of activism, voting and interest in politics.

How does Robert Putnam argue against this?

That it isn't really community. Most members do not 'join in'. It is mostly for personal, selfish reasons.

What does Robert Putnam argue about social capital?

That it makes us achieve more as a society.

What did Nicole B. Ellison (2007) argue?

That social capital has been linked to lower crime rates, better public health etc.

What did Wellman et al (2001) argue?

That the Internet and social networking can 'supplement' in-person interactions.

What did Nie (2001) argue?

That the Internet and social networking distracts from face-to-face interactions.

What did Robert Putnam's research find?

That there was a decrease in attending town or school affairs in America. Decrease in parent-teacher associations (PTAs).There was a disengagement with politics. Decline in neighbourliness and trust.

How has there been a shift in community due to the welfare state?

The family etc used to look after the elderly and the vulnerable.

What are some criticisms of Robert Putnam's Bowling Alone (2000)?

Too formal. Modern communications, such as the Internet etc, may build communities, not undermine them. Television: what type and how does it undermine it? What causes what? People that watch the news are more likely to feel a sense of community. It could be that a decline of community has led to an increase in the consumption of television rather than the other way round. Inequality and poverty? This can divide us. Do we need community anyway? Is it such a bad thing to not have such a strong community? If you're part of a strong community, you may be resistant towards those who exist outside the community. E.g.: immigrants.