generational-decline
The observed decrease in civic participation and social capital across successive generations, particularly among youth compared to their grandparents.
2 chapters across 1 book
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2000)Robert D. Putnam
Chapter 24 of 'Bowling Alone' outlines the urgent need to rebuild social capital in America through both collective institutional reforms and individual civic engagement. Putnam emphasizes the importance of revitalizing youth involvement in civic life via improved civics education, meaningful community service, and extracurricular activities, while also calling for innovative approaches adapted to contemporary social realities. The chapter sets a forward-looking agenda focusing on six key spheres, beginning with youth and schools, to restore community bonds for the twenty-first century.
Chapter 14 of "Bowling Alone" analyzes the decline of civic engagement across American generations from the 1970s through the 1990s, using multiple survey data sources to show that participation in clubs, town meetings, and other forms of social capital has decreased significantly. The chapter emphasizes that these declines are largely generational rather than life cycle effects, highlighting the reduced involvement of younger cohorts in political and community activities, and connects these trends to broader social and psychological malaise among younger generations.