Reference no: EM133455285

This readings present somewhat contrasting views of the status of "community" and peoples' social relationships in society today. The on-line reading by Putnam is a good example of the "decline of community" perspective. The Putnam reading discusses several ways in which peoples' affiliations with organizations, and communities has declined. Putnam suggests that one important cause is new communication technology, especially the internet, and that these new "virtual" relationships and communities cannot replace the meaning and intimacy found in more traditional affiliations and face-to-face relationships.

In contrast, the on-line reading from Smithsonian.com featuring an interview with sociologist Eric Klinenberg presents a more mixed view. Klinenberg suggests that the rise of the internet has made it more attractive and feasible to live alone. While this can be seen as contributing to social isolation and the "decline of community", it can also be argued that since the number of people living alone is on the rise anyway due to other trends in our society, the internet helps people be more connected and less isolated than they otherwise might be. While these "virtual" relationships and communities may not fully substitute for "real" relationships and communities, they help counteract other factors and trends that are promoting social isolation and the decline of community in our society.

Choose either the on-line reading by Putnam, or the on-line reading featuring an interview of sociologist Erik Klinenberg by Joseph Stromberg, and explain whether each person sees community as being on the decline in our society, and why or why not.