Great post John. You've pulled together a number of threads that seem to be isolated problems, but are really facets of one larger problem. I'm particularly struck by your observation that the upper middle class has broadly pulled back from social engagements. What class discussion there is often assumes that the UMC is clearly doing fine in America, but this is clear evidence that it is not.
I am also working on a project to bring men together socially for mutual support and enrichment, so I hope that we might be the harbingers of real cultural change for the better.
My observation is anecdotal and I could be mistaken about the class as a whole, but based on my interaction with them on the ground, they rarely do more than go to church if they do anything.
What was truly shocking to me is reading old books and articles and realizing social clubs were active among the lower-middle and firmly-middle class previously.
This definitely is so in my experience. I've been active in the Knights of Columbus for more than a decade, and active members are a small fraction of the men in the parish. Stories from the past tell me that fraternal societies and clubs used to be a much bigger part of life across all social classes.
One of the places I still see a decent amount of social activity is around sports. Younger single people get together to ride bikes or play in leagues, whereas the married with kids seem to mostly channel it into kid's sports.
I wish you good fortune in this important venture, John.
I am grateful and return the sentiment to you as well. We’ve got our work cut out for us.
I’m going to read it again so it sinks in. Very valuable stuff here
You're appreciated bro
Great post John. You've pulled together a number of threads that seem to be isolated problems, but are really facets of one larger problem. I'm particularly struck by your observation that the upper middle class has broadly pulled back from social engagements. What class discussion there is often assumes that the UMC is clearly doing fine in America, but this is clear evidence that it is not.
I am also working on a project to bring men together socially for mutual support and enrichment, so I hope that we might be the harbingers of real cultural change for the better.
My observation is anecdotal and I could be mistaken about the class as a whole, but based on my interaction with them on the ground, they rarely do more than go to church if they do anything.
What was truly shocking to me is reading old books and articles and realizing social clubs were active among the lower-middle and firmly-middle class previously.
This definitely is so in my experience. I've been active in the Knights of Columbus for more than a decade, and active members are a small fraction of the men in the parish. Stories from the past tell me that fraternal societies and clubs used to be a much bigger part of life across all social classes.
One of the places I still see a decent amount of social activity is around sports. Younger single people get together to ride bikes or play in leagues, whereas the married with kids seem to mostly channel it into kid's sports.