Research on the Decline of Social Climate in American Culture 

Robert Putnam and a team of Harvard social scientists offer a comprehensive review of the breakdown of climate in almost all areas of community, work, political and home life. They provide a historical perspective of the American experience, discuss the negative consequences of current trends and recommend strategies for reversing social disengagement.

Over the past two decades, there has been at least a 20 percent decline in all areas of positive social interaction. For example, it is increasingly unlikely that people know their neighbors. This decline has had a large negative impact on crime, education, democratic participation, volunteerism and civic associations.

Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Previous Page 

© 2006 Human Resources Institute, LLC

Next Page