A study (Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, and Matthew E. Brashears, “Social Isolation in America: Changes in Core Discussion Networks over Two Decades” 2006. American Sociological Review June 71: 353–375) documented a significant decline in close friendships. Please discuss the number of close friends you have. Take the time to survey your parents and grandparents about their friendships, then average the number of friendships in each of the three groups (students, parents, and grandparents). Do the results differ from those found by McPherson et al.? What do you think are the implications of an increase or decrease in close friendships?
