Robert Putnam used GSS data in “Bowling Alone,” an investigation of social ties in America. Survey responses indicate that “neighboring” has been declining throughout this period. The percentage of GSS respondents who reported spending “a social evening with someone who lives in your neighborhood . . . about once a month or more often” was 60% for married people in 1975 and about 65% for singles. By 1998, the comparable percentages were 45% for married people and 50% for singles. Consider the argument made by Putnam, and write a one-page paper about:
Possible explanations of why social ties have weakened in the United States and think about who might have weaker or stronger social ties (younger or older people, social media users non-users, etc.).
Briefly discuss different sources of errors in everyday reasoning (Overgeneralization, Selective or inaccurate observation, Illogical reasoning, Resistance to change) and explain how these errors might have an impact on your thinking about a social phenomenon. -Be specific about the types of errors in everyday reasoning that might apply to your casual observations