Who is American Society from Bowling Alone and what is their importance?

In Bowling Alone, Putnam argues that American society is declining in civic participation and social capital. He points out the fewer members participate socially now as compared to the middle of the twentieth century. The lowered participation has led to an increase in social problems such as suicide, depression, crime, and health issues. He believes that this decline in social capital is explained largely by generational succession and argues that American society can change the course that it is on and improve social capital.