Visualizing the Distribution of Social Capital across America
Jun 28, 2018
The Social Capital Project recently released a Social Capital Index covering every state and nearly every county in America. As we discussed in the accompanying report, states with high index values tend to be smaller than states with low values. Fully 56 percent of Americans live in the 40 percent of states with the lowest social capital values, while just 21 percent reside in the 40 percent of states with the highest values. In our report, population size had a negative correlation with both the state and county-level versions of our index (-0.34 and -0.15, respectively).
Supplemental Data for Social Capital Index
Apr 23, 2018
The Social Capital Project is pleased to provide new social capital index and subindex estimates for metropolitan and micropolitan areas (Core Based Statistical Areas, or CBSAs) and for commuting zones (CZs).
The Geography of Social Capital in America
Apr 11, 2018
Social capital is almost surely an important factor driving many of our nation’s greatest successes and most serious challenges. Indeed, the withering of associational life is itself one of those challenges. Public policy solutions to such challenges are inherently elusive. But at present, policymakers and researchers lack the high-quality contemporary measures of social capital available at the state and local levels to even try proposing solutions that are attuned to associational life.
Further Thoughts on Volunteerism Trends and Data Issues
Jan 29, 2018
In an analysis last year, Volunteerism in America, the Social Capital Project found that rates of volunteerism have either held steady or risen over the past forty years—a rare indicator of the health of our associational life that has not worsened over the period. Our initial report, What We Do Together, also highlighted the increase in hours of volunteering per person over time.
Lee Joins Armed Services Committee for 113th Congress
Jan 4, 2013
For the 113th Congress, Senator Mike Lee will join the Senate Armed Services Committee and keep three previous committee assignments on Judiciary, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Joint Economic Committee.
How Taxation of Capital Affects Growth and Employment
Apr 17, 2012
I am glad we are discussing this topic today because I believe strongly that our tax system is in great need of reform. Our current tax code is just way too complicated, biased against saving, and distorts economic behavior. Also, we have the unfortunate distinction of having the highest corporate tax rate in the world. Not surprisingly, this has not provided incentive for corporations to stay or relocate here – resulting in the flight of jobs and capital away from the U.S.
