residential-mobility
The frequency with which Americans move residences and its impact on social ties and civic engagement.
2 chapters across 1 book
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community (2000)Robert D. Putnam
Chapter 12 examines the relationship between residential mobility, urbanization, suburbanization, and civic engagement in America. While Americans have historically been highly mobile, recent decades show a decline in mobility and an increase in homeownership, disproving the idea that mobility alone erodes social capital. Instead, the chapter highlights that living in large metropolitan areas and sprawling suburbs correlates with lower civic participation compared to small towns and rural areas, suggesting that the scale and social composition of communities significantly impact social connectedness.
Chapter 12 of "Bowling Alone" examines the relationship between residential mobility, suburban sprawl, and declining civic engagement in the United States. It presents evidence that increased mobility and the growth of suburbs and gated communities correlate with reduced participation in civic activities and social capital. The chapter also discusses historical trends in migration, the social consequences of urban and suburban living, and the impact of transportation and housing patterns on community involvement.