Journal CI 8904: April 2nd, 2013

Note:  My work here is taken from content being formulated for the Center for Healing and Spirituality's website, of which my director Louise Delagran and I, are currently creating.

Source for Reflection:

Putnam, R. D. (2001). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.

As families and youth have experienced formal schooling sponsored by capitalist states across time, what changes in themselves and in their lives have occurred?

Putnam believes that there has been a major disconnect between government, schools, community and family occur which need to be restored. These include:

·      Civic engagement

·      Political equality

·      Solidarity, trust and tolerance

·      A strong associational life, including informal and formal education

How have communities been affected?  Who and what communities are most affected by the consequences noted?

Dr. Robert Putnum maintains that the rebuilding of social capital will help restore American communities back into being solid foundations of democracy.  When a community is lacking in this type of capital, the individuals within in it are not empowered. In other words, “[social] interaction enables people to build communities, to commit themselves to each other, and to knit the social fabric; a sense of belonging and the concrete experience of social networks (and the relationships of trust and tolerance that can be involved) can, it is argued, bring great benefits to people” (2000).

What deeper meanings of formal schooling are reflected?

He shares this summarizing point: “The simple act of joining and being regularly involved in organized groups has a very significant impact on individual health and well-being. Working so that people may join groups – whether they are organized around enthusiasms and interests, social activity, or economic and political aims – can make a considerable contribution in itself. Encouraging the development of associational life can also make a significant difference to the experience of being in different communities” (2000).