Joining.

Abstract

The benefits of participating in civic and social groups extend beyond personal satisfaction. Organizations depend on the contributions of their members and societies with high participation rates are strong. The American trend in joining shows a steady increase until the 1960s and a gradual decline since. The character of joining has also changed. We are more willing to sign up without becoming personally involved. We send in our checks and let professionals handle the activities. Much of this erosion in civic participation is generational--joining is still popular among older Americans. Mobility and changing work patterns also account for some of the decline in participation, but the media, because it is passive and negative, is a major corrosive force.