professional-association-membership
Professional organizations saw growth in absolute membership but a decline in market share relative to the expanding number of professionals, indicating weakening collective engagement.
2 chapters across 1 book
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2000)Robert D. Putnam
Chapter 5 of Putnam's "Bowling Alone" examines the decline of social capital in American workplaces through the lens of union membership and professional associations. It details the historical rise and subsequent sharp decline of union membership throughout the twentieth century, emphasizing that structural economic changes explain only part of this trend, with declining worker demand playing a major role. Conversely, professional associations experienced growth in absolute numbers but a decline in membership rates relative to their professions, mirroring broader patterns of civic disengagement.
Chapter 5 of "Bowling Alone" examines the role of the workplace in fostering social connections and community engagement, focusing on the historical trends and decline of union membership and professional association participation in the United States. It discusses the impact of economic restructuring, changes in workplace loyalty, and the evolving nature of workplace relationships on social capital. The chapter also considers how workplace transformations and corporate volunteer programs influence civic engagement and social networks.