Robert Putnam's research can be exemplified by his description of a decline in bowling leagues. Which of the following might serve as evidence that Putnam's concerns are overblown?
A) the increasing number of hours people tend to spend engaged with electronic media
B) the decline of movie theaters and the subsequent rise of services like Netflix
C) the increasing safety measures designed to make playgrounds less likely to cause injury
D) the sharp spike in the suicide rate in Eastern Europe over the past two decades
E) the growth of online support groups to help people with rare diseases share information and emotional support

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The growth of online support groups suggests that while traditional forms of socializing like bowling leagues may be declining, people are still finding ways to connect with others and receive emotional support. This contradicts Putnam's argument that social capital is on the decline and suggests that new forms of social capital are emerging. The other choices are not directly related to Putnam's concerns about the decline of social capital and may be unrelated or even support his argument in some cases.

Robert Putnam's Research Can Be Exemplified by His Description of a Decline