THOMPSONSPF10RESEARCH

Communitarianism in the modern sense was created by Amitai Etzioni. 

“Etzioni's main idea is that individual rights and aspirations should be protected but that they should be inserted into a sense of the community (hence the name of the movement he created, 'Communitarianism'). Within the movement, the communitarian thinking developed in reaction to the "me-first" attitude of the 1980s. Also the movement has sought to establish a common ground between liberals and conservatives, thus bridging the continual division. The movement works to strengthen the ability of all aspects of the community including the families and schools in order to introduce more positive values. In addition, it aims to get people involved in positive ways in all levels of the community and ensure that society progresses in an orderly fashion.”

“Beginning in the late 20th century, many authors began to observe a deterioration in the social networks of the United States. In the book Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam observed that nearly every form of civic organization has undergone drops in membership exemplified by the fact that, while more people are bowling than in the 1950s, there are fewer bowling leagues. In recent years Putnam has revised this argument.”

“This results in a decline in "social capital", described by Putnam as "the collective value of all 'social networks' and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other". According to Putnam and his followers, social capital is a key component to building and maintaining democracy.

Communitarians seek to bolster social capital and the institutions of civil society.”

“The good society is a partnership of three sectors: government, private sector, and community. Each one reflects and serves a distinct facet of our community. Only by serving all three, rather than fragmenting them or setting one against the other, can we achieve a society that encompasses the whole person.” - Amitai Etzioni

“At the core of the Third Way ought to be the recognition that a good society combines respect for individual rights and fulfillment of basic human needs with the expectations that members live up to their responsibilities to themselves, their family and friends, and to the community at large” - Amitai Etzioni

I have been researching solutions to the problems I present with the society in which I live. I want to try and offer a potential solution or ideas for solutions in my work at some point or in some manner. I feel that communitarianism might be a possible solution to the issues I bring up. It addresses at its core individual responsibility rather than relying on a select few to keep things in order and create positive change.