The US Presidential Election is by now over and there are many signs that our digital age has created a situation where people don’t talk to neighbors or are not as engaged on community activities. In the book Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Robert D. Putnam examines the decline of social capital in the United States over the latter half of the 20th century.
Social capital, defined as relationships, trust, and networks within a community, has traditionally fostered a sense of belonging and mutual support. Putnam uses various metrics to demonstrate a decline in American civic life, including reduced participation in groups such as political clubs, churches, and even informal gatherings like bowling leagues (hence the title).
He argues that this decrease has eroded community bonds, leading to greater individual isolation and weaker societal cohesion. Factors contributing to this decline include suburbanization, longer work hours, and the rise of television and technology, which promote solitary rather than communal activities.
Despite the decline, Putnam offers hope for a resurgence in social capital through:
- Revitalizing community engagement
- Fostering civic education
- Supporting policies that promote work-life balance
Bowling Alone is a call to action, encouraging readers to rebuild social networks and strengthen the social fabric of their communities.
FOSTERING COMMUNITY THROUGH ENGINEERING
Through Innova’s structural, construction, and transportation engineering projects, we participate in the creation of spaces and infrastructure that foster community engagement and connectivity. For example, the City of Las Vegas Healing Garden, the RTC Bus Planning and Restoration for an underserved neighborhood, CCSD Laura Dearing Elementary School, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth New Home for Children, among others.
Our projects, in works such as Allegiant Stadium, the Sphere, the Las Vegas Monorail, the City of Las Vegas Sahara Pedestrian Bridge Peer Review and the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Monorail, enhance public communal activities and transportation and make it easier for people to come together. Aside from that, the company creates opportunities for our members to engage in community activities like Las Vegas Corporate Challenge and Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada.
Carlos Banchik, P.E.
President