Can Borrowing from Neighbors Strengthen Democracy?
In the course of our daily lives, we may find abundant evidence that our
social fabric has frayed. As Robert Putnam discussed in his 2000 book
Bowling Alone, Americans have become increasingly isolated, drifting
away from activities that stimulate civic engagement. Could the casual
connection created through borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor help
restore the sense of community needed to strengthen our democracy?
While that notion may seem far-fetched, the act of borrowing creates
opportunities to engage, connect and relate to people in our
communities. Research has shown that even those who are initially
reluctant to reach out to their neighbors are much happier when they do.
In addition to improving well-being, building social capital through
neighborly interaction can help to establish the habits of cooperation
and reciprocity that underpin a healthy democracy.
https://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/dirt/community-relationships-borrowing-from-neighbors-strengthens-democracy
https://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/dirt/community-relationships-borrowing-from-neighbors-strengthens-democracy