When attempting to understand the intricate political and social structures of a nation, it is of the utmost importance to begin the journey with an examination of its inhabitants. A country is defined by the actions of its people, who, for better or for worse, ultimately determine the long-term direction of the land no matter its form of government. The United States is no exception in this area. In fact, it can be said to be even more true of her as the people are given a previously unwitnessed level of control over her course. Tocqueville and Putnam both set out on the journey to understand the fabric of how America operates. However, they both came to separate and opposing conclusions. Tocqueville found that Americans are joiners while
…show more content…
Tocqueville claims, “Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions, constantly form associations. They have… associations of a thousand other kinds —religious, moral, serious, futile, extensive, or restricted, enormous or diminutive” (Tocqueville 158). Tocqueville then proceeds to illustrate how these associations are the underpinning of American democracy. Furthermore, he claims that in times when community is a necessity, such as during in the midst of war, the people are more willing to set aside their individual desires and work for the betterment of the community, improving the quality of democracy and the individuals who hold elected office.
In his book, Bowling Alone, Putnam asserts that Tocqueville’s America is dead. Putnam points to the declining enrollment in community organizations and activities as his primary support. When attempting to diagnose the root of the problem Putnam found, “It wasn’t so much that old members dropped out… [b]ut community organizations were no longer continuously revitalized… by freshets of new members” (Putnam 175). Putnam argues that we are becoming increasingly self-centered and ever less civic-minded despite our wealth of free time compared to that which was enjoyed by our
Tocqueville claims, “Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions, constantly form associations. They have… associations of a thousand other kinds —religious, moral, serious, futile, extensive, or restricted, enormous or diminutive” (Tocqueville 158). Tocqueville then proceeds to illustrate how these associations are the underpinning of American democracy. Furthermore, he claims that in times when community is a necessity, such as during in the midst of war, the people are more willing to set aside their individual desires and work for the betterment of the community, improving the quality of democracy and the individuals who hold elected office.
In his book, Bowling Alone, Putnam asserts that Tocqueville’s America is dead. Putnam points to the declining enrollment in community organizations and activities as his primary support. When attempting to diagnose the root of the problem Putnam found, “It wasn’t so much that old members dropped out… [b]ut community organizations were no longer continuously revitalized… by freshets of new members” (Putnam 175). Putnam argues that we are becoming increasingly self-centered and ever less civic-minded despite our wealth of free time compared to that which was enjoyed by our