The Sconi

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) has released a new report highlighting the detrimental impact of decreasing levels of social capital on Wisconsin communities. Titled "Fraying Connections: Exploring Social Capital and Its Societal Implications," the report delves into the importance of social capital and its implications on various societal issues.

Miranda Spindt, WILL Policy Associate, emphasized the significance of social capital by stating, “Loneliness and mental health issues have radically increased in American society and declining social capital is a root cause. WILL is doing a deep dive into why social capital is so important to advance a pluralistic society, what Wisconsin is doing right, but also what needs to change."

The report defines social capital as the collection of interpersonal relationships that unite a diverse society towards common goals. It points out that strong family bonds serve as the foundation for building relationships with others but notes that these relationships have significantly evolved over time.

Highlighting the economic benefits of social capital, the report mentions that relationships between individuals from different income backgrounds can lead to better economic outcomes, especially for low-income children. However, the report also highlights the concerning trend of increasing isolation and distrust within communities, impacting various aspects of people's lives and contributing to the mental health crisis and lower economic mobility.

Key findings from the report reveal a significant decline in civic engagement, with a 40 percent decrease in Americans attending public meetings on town or school affairs between 1973 and 1994. Additionally, the Surgeon General's declaration of loneliness as an epidemic in the US in 2023 and the drastic increase in depressive feelings during the pandemic underscore the severity of the situation.

The report also sheds light on Wisconsin's social capital ranking compared to other states, showcasing the state's strengths and areas for improvement across different indicators such as family unity, social support, community health, and institutional health.

Looking ahead, WILL plans to explore the role of technology and social media in the decline of social capital in future reports. The institute aims to discuss various solutions, ranging from government policies to individual actions, that can help rebuild social capital and address the underlying issues affecting communities.

As declining social capital continues to impact societal well-being, the discussion and exploration of solutions proposed by WILL's report are crucial for the betterment of communities not only in Wisconsin but across the nation.