POLS 1500 Lecture Notes - Social Capital
10 Apr 2014
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Document Summary
Bowling alone, argues that the united states has undergone an unprecedented collapse in civic, social, associational, and political life (social capital) since the 1960s, with serious negative consequences. Lowered trust in areas with high diversity is also associated with: Lower confidence in local government, local leaders and the local news media. Lower political efficacy that is, confidence in one"s own influence. Lower frequency of registering to vote, but more interest and knowledge about politics and more participation in protest marches and social reform groups. Higher political advocacy, but lower expectations that it will bring about a desirable result. Less expectation that others will cooperate to solve dilemmas of collective action (e. g. , voluntary conservation to ease a water or energy shortage). Less likelihood of working on a community project. Less likelihood of giving to charity or volunteering. Less happiness and lower perceived quality of life.
