Decline of American Social Capital

In Section II of Putnam’s work (chapters 2 through 9), he describes in significant detail how social capital in the United States declined toward the end of the 20th century. Putnam examines participation in the political process (voting, volunteering for a campaign, running for office), as well as civic engagement (such as membership in civic organizations). He explores involvement in religious activities (church membership and attendance) as well as work-based social capital (membership in unions and professional associations). Beyond these formal structures of social capital, he also delves into more informal social relationships and activities, such as getting together with friends for a game of cards or to share a meal. He also explores charitable giving and volunteering, as well as changing perceptions of social norms such as reciprocity, trust, and honesty.

Across each of these varied measures of social capital, the pattern of decline in the final third of the 20th century is profoundly striking. Indeed, there are very few exceptions to this notable trend. Chapter 9 explores some possible countertrends, including the expansion of self-help groups, the rise of connectedness through telecommunications technology, and increasing activism within some niche groups. Overall, though, the pattern is overwhelmingly clear: in the final few decades of the last century, American social capital went into marked decline.