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Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam - Quiz
Contributed by: Miah
  • 1. Bowling Alone, authored by Robert D. Putnam, is a seminal work that explores the decline of social capital in America over the last several decades, illustrating how the fabric of community engagement and social interconnectedness has unraveled. Putnam's examination begins with the seemingly innocuous analogy of bowling; while more people are indeed bowling than ever before, they are increasingly doing so alone, reflecting a broader trend of isolation and individualism in social activities that once fostered communal bonds. The book meticulously analyzes various forms of civic engagement, including participation in clubs, volunteerism, and social gatherings, demonstrating how these activities have plummeted since the mid-20th century. Putnam emphasizes the implications of this decline for democracy, societal trust, and overall civic health, drawing connections between diminished social engagement and rising societal issues such as political polarization and public discontent. Thoroughly researched and compellingly written, Bowling Alone serves as both a dire warning and a clarion call for revitalizing social connections, urging readers to recognize the importance of belonging and collective action in enriching community life and fostering a more engaged citizenry.

    What does Robert Putnam use as a metaphor for the decline in community engagement?
A) The decline of bowling leagues.
B) The closure of public libraries.
C) The rise of online shopping.
D) The decrease in newspaper readership.
  • 2. What does Putnam suggest is a negative consequence of low social capital?
A) Increased personal savings.
B) More time for hobbies.
C) Poorer health and lower educational achievement.
D) Higher rates of international travel.
  • 3. Which of the following is an example of 'bridging' social capital?
A) A company's brand loyalty.
B) Investment in stock markets.
C) Family ties and close friendships.
D) Connections that link people across different social groups.
  • 4. What trend in American politics does Putnam link to declining social capital?
A) Higher rates of running for public office.
B) An increase in the number of political parties.
C) More frequent national elections.
D) Decreased voter turnout and political participation.
  • 5. According to Putnam, what is the relationship between social capital and education?
A) Less educated people have more social capital.
B) Education has no impact on social capital.
C) Higher levels of education are correlated with higher social capital.
D) Social capital decreases as education increases.
  • 6. How does Putnam view the role of the internet in the early 2000s regarding social capital?
A) He ignored the internet entirely in his analysis.
B) He was skeptical it could replace the depth of face-to-face interaction.
C) He believed it was the primary solution to rebuilding social capital.
D) He argued it had already fully restored community life.
  • 7. What is a key indicator of declining social capital mentioned in the book?
A) A decrease in the number of bowling balls sold.
B) A decline in the national birth rate.
C) Fewer people attending public meetings.
D) An increase in single-person households.
  • 8. What does Putnam argue about the relationship between social capital and crime?
A) Crime rates are the main cause of low social capital.
B) Higher social capital leads to more organized crime.
C) Social capital has no effect on crime.
D) Communities with higher social capital tend to have lower crime rates.
  • 9. Which institution has seen a decline in trust, according to Putnam's data?
A) The medical profession.
B) The entertainment industry.
C) Government and media.
D) The banking industry.
  • 10. What is Putnam's view on simply joining an online group as a replacement for traditional civic engagement?
A) It is identical to face-to-face interaction in its effects.
B) It is a superior form of engagement for the modern era.
C) He does not discuss online groups.
D) It is a weaker form of connection that does not build social capital as effectively.
  • 11. What is a criticism sometimes leveled against Putnam's thesis?
A) His data shows that social capital has actually increased.
B) He proves that bowling alone causes crime.
C) He argues that social capital is unimportant.
D) He overlooks new forms of community that may be emerging.
  • 12. What is Putnam's overall tone in the book?
A) Angry and accusatory towards younger generations.
B) Completely pessimistic and without hope.
C) Celebratory of technological progress.
D) Concerned but hopeful about the potential for renewal.
  • 13. What major historical event does Putnam credit with boosting civic engagement?
A) The Vietnam War
B) The Civil War
C) The Great Depression
D) World War II
  • 14. Which technological innovation does Putnam identify as a major cause of declining social capital?
A) Smartphones
B) Automobiles
C) Television
D) The internet
  • 15. Which organization's membership decline does Putnam frequently cite?
A) NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
B) NRA (National Rifle Association)
C) PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
D) AARP (American Association of Retired Persons)
  • 16. Which type of organization showed the steepest decline in membership according to Putnam's research?
A) Religious groups
B) Fraternal organizations
C) Political parties
D) Professional associations
  • 17. Which factor does Putnam NOT blame for declining social capital?
A) Increased leisure time
B) Time pressure
C) Urban sprawl
D) Electronic entertainment
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