Putnam's Social Capital Index

Putnam's Social Capital Index measures the strength of community connections and trust among residents within a region. It evaluates factors like participation in civic activities, voter turnout, volunteerism, and social networks. High scores indicate communities with active engagement, strong relationships, and shared values, which often lead to better social cohesion, safety, and quality of life. Conversely, low scores suggest weaker ties and less community involvement. This index helps understand how social interactions influence the overall well-being and functioning of a society, emphasizing the importance of participation and trust in fostering healthy communities.