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In his famous 2000 book Bowling Alone, political scientist Robert Putnam argues that “civic engagement” in the United States has been on the decline for decades. He defines civic engagement as a person’s involvement in community groups, including those of a non-political nature. Putnam believes this decline has significant consequences for the health of American democracy. (Here is an excerptLinks to an external site. from Putnam’s book, as well as a reviewLinks to an external site.. Feel free to look them over to better understand his claims.)
When Bowling Alone was published, some scholarsLinks to an external site. disagreedLinks to an external site. with the book’s conclusions or offered a different perspectiveLinks to an external site. on the trend. Much has changed in the two decades since Putnam published his famous book, especially in the realms of technology and communication. The advent of social media and the creation of online communities add an interesting component to our modern understanding of engagement and community.
n this discussion, you will share your thoughts on this topic with the class. Take a moment to review Chapter 1, Section 1.3 of the textbook and, if you choose, the links provided above. Then, complete Steps 1 and 2.
Step 1: Share your thoughts with the class in a written discussion post. Your response should address the following questions:
Do you agree that people are less involved with their communities than in the past? On what basis do you reach your conclusion?
If you agree that people are less involved, should we worry about the consequences of this trend? Why or why not?
Do online communities provide the same “social capital” benefits as those that are in-person and face-to-face?
In your view, has the Internet helped or hurt civic engagement? Explain your reasoning.
Your post should be approximately 200-250 words. Be sure to support your claims, offer examples, and provide evidence with appropriate references and citations if needed. Your contribution to the discussion should demonstrate that you understand the topic and – most importantly – have thoughtfully reflected on the questions at hand.
