1st Edition

Social Capital in America Counting Buried Treasure

By Brian J Jones Copyright 2011
    140 Pages
    by Routledge

    129 Pages
    by Routledge

    In the wake of Robert Putnam's bestselling book "Bowling Alone," media and popular opinion often contend that American society is losing its cohesion. In an era of culture wars, deep political divisions, and all-consuming household technologies, are we losing our connections with one another? Is American society falling apart?Not according to this new book, which draws upon two renowned national surveys to reveal a very different picture. Jones' poignant study of social capital in America explores current trends encompassing family life, work, social networks, and more. He is able to show surprising correlations: those who most use the internet are more likely to participate in voluntary organizations; etc. In lively prose with easy-to-read charts, Jones counters the prevailing myths of American Society by confronting them with the voices of Americans, their attitudes and behaviors, and the facts of their daily lives.

    Chapter 1 “What Is Wrong with People?”; Chapter 2 Designing a Model of Social Capital; Chapter 3 Work; Chapter 4 Family; Chapter 5 Social Networks; Chapter 6 Voluntary Association; Chapter 7 The Model of Social Capital; Chapter 8 Modeling Trends; Chapter 9 Social Capital and Social Inequality; Chapter 10 Social Capital Futures;

    Biography

    Authored by Jones, Brian J

    "Brian Jones' pedagogical skills are so sophisticated that he can actually turn any academic topic into an intellectual thriller. I will never forget the day that he walked into a classroom loaded with students of every major. He presented his 'Model' of Social Capital and the students were simply enthralled. This book reflects that day. It is original research written by a master teacher."
    -Bernard J. Gallagher III, Professor of Psychiatric Sociology and author of The Sociology of Mental Illness