Section 2, Chapter 9, Against the Tide? Small Groups, Social Movements, and the Net Summary and Analysis

Of course, not all organizations have lost members. Those such as self-help groups, reading groups, and support groups illustrate a counter-trend in society. There are also a number of social movements that have swept across the country during the twentieth century as well. Small group studies indicate that about 40 percent of all Americans report being in a small group that meets regularly. Many of the groups are church related, but others participate in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Members also often report receiving help from someone in their small group.

Reading groups became important in America during the middle of the nineteenth century. Most were made up of women. The groups often had a civic component as well, with...