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Culture Change
Revives our Hope for Interdependence
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Robert Putnam and his Harvard colleagues have documented the
tragic human consequences and social breakdown of a broader
American culture that is going it alone. Over
the past two decades, there has been at least a 20 percent
decline in all areas of positive social interaction. For
example, it is increasingly unlikely that people know their
neighbors. This decline has had a large negative impact on
crime, education, democratic participation, volunteerism and
civic associations.
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Many people mistakenly believe that our biological need for one
another is an obstacle to be overcome and a human weakness. These
people have seen the damaging impact of unhealthy and
counterproductive cultures. Their conclusion is that we would all be
better off if we could be more independent. Given the tragic
failings of contemporary society, it is tempting to hope that we
could all go it alone.
The
creation of supportive cultural environments gives us
another, more hopeful option. When we bring people
together to shape their environments, they are no longer
passive victims. They do not have to resist their
natural desire to nurture and be connected with others.
More importantly, with culture change we can enjoy and
benefit from the company of others. Our need for each
other should no longer be seen as an obstacle to overcome.
Instead, our need for connection will become an
opportunity to be celebrated. This is the hope and
promise of culture change.
* Putnam, R. (2000).
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster.
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