Worse, it's easier to give money than give time, Putnam continues. While total philanthropy has risen steadily, the percentage of income Americans give to charity has dropped 29 percent since 1960. And it's still carrying a disproportionate share of the load. Putnam includes a chart that ranks states by civic engagement or social capital. Pennsylvania is 30th.
Suburban sprawl is a major culprit.
Putnam claims that municipal governments need to encourage development, which promotes social capital. Let us foster new forms of electronic entertainment and communication that reinforce community engagement. Sincerely, Charles Meredith E-mail this story to a friend.