Putnam wrote Bowling Alone before the events of 9/11. In the last section, he suggested that a national disaster or war could lead to a rise in social capital. Do you think that 9/11 and the Iraq War brought about more social capital in America? Why or why not?

What are the factors that Putnam believes led to the decline in social capital in the twentieth century? Do you agree with him that generational change has had the largest effect?

Do you believe that social isolation has risen in American society? Why or why not?

How does Putnam believe that Americans should solve the deficit in social capital? What do you think Americans should do to increase social participation?

Compare your social participation with that of an older relative or friend from an earlier generation. Do you think that you are more or less socially engaged...