Putnams Theory on Bowling Alone
Robert Putnam's central thesis in Bowling Alone is that there has been a decline in civic engagement and social capital over the past few decades. The idea of "bowling alone" stems from the fact that bowling in leagues from 1980 through 1993 decreased by 40 percent, while individual bowlers increased by 10 percent (Putnam 112). Putnam uses this metaphor for all forms of civic disengagement, meaning that people virtually do as little as possible collectively and would rather focus purely on the individual, rather than the group. Putnam's book addresses several topics of civic disengagement, including a decline in civic participation and social isolation. Putnam focuses on the increasing amount of television viewership and is wary to comment on technological increases, like the Internet, for this decline. However, Putnam tends to focus on what is occurring, using various sorts of data, and overlooks the true meaning of why it is occurring or the positive effects from an average American's viewpoint. The increase in television viewership and use of the Internet does mark a change in social habits, but it does not warrant Putnam's view that it causes social isolation or disengagement. People in the forties and fifties d
Americans are fortunate enough to have television and the Internet so that they can be a part of society and engage in the community. People want to communicate and what makes that possible is the television and the Internet. American's also feel this greater amount of pressure to do more or know more; examples of this can be found in the extra long working hours and the amount of time they spend on the phone or watching television. It is obvious that Putnam doesn't agree with the excess of these activities, but although it may sound naive, people are better off, both economically and socially because of the television and the Internet. Considering that America seems to be driven, then contrary to Putnam's beliefs, maybe the television and the Internet are steps in the direction of leading American's to their goals. If that is the case, then "bowling alone" may not be such an evil concept for the American people. Putnam believes that it is "too early to assess the long-run social effects of the Internet" (Putnam 171), but the positive impact on society must be expressed. However, seeing that Putnam has a website (www.bowlingalone.com), one must assume that he thinks it is a good form of social participation and civic engagement. Skocpol, Theda. "Unraveling from Above." The American Prospect. March-April, 1996. Another aspect of increased television viewership is the ability to watch sitcoms and sporting events. A person can also watch political debates and political analysis programs on television. Some people may watch this genre of television alone, but typically people enjoy watching them i
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Approximate Word count = 1089
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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