Civic Engagement Decline

Words: 878
Pages: 4
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Mitzi Rodriguez
9/18/2017
GSC 300-1001 Civic engagement has declined in the United States since its peak in the 1960s. Robert D. Putnam’s book, Bowling Alone asserts there is a common trend of declination amongst political participation, religious participation, and workplace connections civic engagement. There is evidence of a downfall of group and individual engagement, generational change, and overall participation. These commonalities influence the weakening of civic engagement and social capital.
Decline in Individual Engagement A contribution to the decline of civic engagement is changes in individual participation. According to Putnam (2000), the voting rates have been consistently declined by the decade. Less individuals are signing …show more content…
Generally, younger generations are less aware of political issues and affairs (Putnam, 2000). The lack of political awareness leads to limited knowledge of how to vote, register, and, information on public affairs (Putnam, 2000). Generational change in voluntary associations is impacted by tertiary organizations (Putnam, 2000). Tertiary group membership consists of paying dues and infrequent interactions with other members. Newer organizations focus on vocalizing opinions rather than strengthening social bonds with other members like older organizations (Putnam, 2000). As technology modernizes society religion shifts to become more secular (Putnam, 2000). The cause of secularization is the result of the rise diversity and heterogeneous society. Cohort changes has affected the decline of religious participation each generation has a different view of religion (Putnam, 2000). Putnam states that older individuals who are married and have their own families are more likely to attend religious congregations than those who are younger and single (Putnam, 2000). As people grow older, they establish their religious stance and are more likely to have a high attendance rate than the younger generations (Putnam, …show more content…
Technological advances are a major factor for generational transitions. Technology changed how citizens vote and express their political views. Potential voters are more likely to receive an automatic prerecorded phone call, direct mail, or emails about their candidates than a face to face interaction with a campaign organizer (Putnam, 2000). The internet allows individuals to join voluntary associations without attending a single meeting. Active participation in these groups can be done in the comfort of a member’s home that includes paying for membership, receiving persistent emails, online newsletter, or online forums (Putnam, 2000). The internet age has also influenced societal religious participation. Church services are now broadcasted on television online. As religion has become more individualized the internet gives access to a wide range of information of different religions. It allows people to research various religions and they can combine or come up with their own set of
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