Assgn 1) Chapter 4: Religious Participation & Assgn 2) Intimate Ties in Later Life - Essay Example

America’s Social Capital: Religious and Employment Context America’s social ties have been influenced by two major sectors in the society. Events inthe history have deemed the development or decline of the nation’s social capital with respect to the changing trends of religion and employment. Changes in these two macro sectors would have a domino effect towards the economy, social values, and the society at large. Whether or not these changes have affected people positively in a way, it is undeniable that inconveniences and social struggle were brought.

Looking at the religious sector, Robert Putnam in his book Bowling Alone, points out that “religious involvement is a crucial dimension of civic engagement” (69). Churches, regardless of the faithfulness or leniency of its members, are particular determinants of people’s social involvement. Through its different offshoot organizations, it has gathered people to pursue a common goal. However, the decline of church attendants also decreased the amount of social participation. On the other hand, changes in the employment strategies affected social structure, in a way that the workers are less likely be guaranteed with a stable job and satisfactory pay; a reality which troubles many employees.

The contract system "ha[s] been quite damaging to social ties" (88). Since most employees are tied to a specific length of stay in the workplace, social engagements are not likely to occur since because: 1) there is a limited time to create productive social ties; and 2) the willingness to extend the contract would make employees focus more on productivity and competition rather than making lasting acquaintances. Work Cited Putnam, Robert. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.

New York: Simon & Schuster, 2001. Print.