Democracies in flux
Democracies in flux: the evolution of social capital in contemporary society Robert D. Putnam,
Publisher: Oxford ; Oxford University Press, c2002.
ISBN: 0195171608
DDC: 302
LCC: HM708
Summary:
"The book is packed with intriguing revelations about common trends
in the countries studied. The contributors note, for instance, that
waning participation in unions, churches, and political parties seems
to be virtually universal, a troubling discovery as these forms of
social capital are especially important for empowering less educated,
less affluent portions of the population. Indeed, in general, the
researchers found more social grouping among the affluent than among
the working classes and also found evidence of a younger generation
that is singularly uninterested in politics, distrustful both of
politicians and of others, cynical about public affairs, and less
inclined to participate in enduring social organizations. On the
bright side, social capital appears as strong as ever in Sweden,
where 40% of the adult population participate in "study circles" -
small groups who meet weekly for educational discussions." "Social
capital - good will, fellowship, sympathy, and social intercourse -
is vitally important both for the health of our communities and for
our own physical and psychological well-being. Offering a panoramic
look at social capital around the world, this book makes an important
contribution to our understanding of these phenomena. It will
interest anyone concerned with promoting civil society and vibrant
social discourse."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (p. [417]-491) and index.
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