Abstract
Some years ago an American political scientist published a book entitled Bowling Alone (Putnam 2000). It attracted considerable media attention at the time — perhaps because the author was critical of aspects of American society. It purported to show that Americans were becoming less attached to society through their involvement in voluntary associations and activities. A decline in the membership of bowling clubs became an iconic illustration of this change: the picture on the cover of the book showed a man literally bowling alone. However, this image was misleading. Far from actually bowling alone, men were increasingly playing with their friends and families. The activity could well involve more and closer social relationships than would be the case in simply playing as a member of a club team.
A faithful friend is a strong defence, and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure…A faithful friend is the medicine of life.
Ecclesiasticus
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Pahl, R. (2007). Friendship, Trust and Mutuality. In: Haworth, J., Hart, G. (eds) Well-Being. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230287624_15
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