At the turn of the century Robert Putman wrote a book called “Bowling Alone”. He observed how the activity of ten pin bowling had changed from communal leagues to families and individuals. Putman noted that communal activity in general was on the decline. Simultaneously, family structures were shrinking in size and the bonds that once kept extended family close, were weakening. In the proceeding two decades this trend has continued.

According to recent census figures, Australian households are comprised of twenty three percent lone-person households and sixteen percent single-parent families; together representing almost forty percent. For some, the growth in living alone has been celebrated as reflecting the improved choice that people have in their living arrangements and lifestyle, while for others it has meant increased social fragmentation and a rise in loneliness.

Living alone does not necessitate an isolated lifestyle. Putman introduces the concept of social capital as a panacea for loneliness and isolation. Social capital is the active connections between people within a community. It is the glue that holds community together while offering benefits to individuals within that community. The loss of social capital is felt in critical ways, such as increased crime rates, poorer neighbourhood quality of life, and decline in mental wellbeing.

People generally form social ties because of an innate desire for social contact. In the context of community, social ties form around fun activities or pressing community issues. People are motivated by either a benefit to themselves or a belief that their personal involvement will have an impact. Active community involvement results in collaboration, allowing citizens to resolve collective problems more easily. There have been many local issues in our Mountain community that have brought people together, and in doing so, built our social capital.

As a community becomes more involved with one another, willingness to assist one another increases. Social networks provide the channels through which we recruit one another for good deeds and encourage attention to others’ welfare. A generalised attitude of reciprocity becomes the norm as recipients of support begin to “pay it forward” to others. In other words, “I’ll do this for you without expecting anything specific back, in the confident expectation that someone will do something for me when I am in need in the future”.

On the twentieth anniversary of “Bowling Alone” a new edition was released that included the impact of social media and the internet. While technology has introduced opportunities for social connection, it has also resulted in unprecedented levels of alienation and isolation. Social capital within communities has suffered, as the virtual world has captured the attention of those who would previously seek company outside the walls of their home.

For some, the approach of Christmas can accentuate feelings of loss or loneliness. Perhaps you know someone who might be alone at this time of year. Invest in our community’s social capital and consider inviting others to your Christmas celebration. Love, joy and peace be yours during this special season.

Linda Gray
0401 517 243
linda@relationshipsanctuary.com.au