In this section, we present data on how Connecticut residents connect with one another through social activities. Data and experience tell us that, when people are more connected personally, they are more likely to come together for civic or political reasons. Social connectedness is essential to strengthening relationships, building trust and promoting collaboration. This is what social scientists refer to as “bridging” and “bonding social capital.” Of particular concern is how social connectedness is impacted when neighborhoods are divided along lines of race and class. The table below compares national indicators with Connecticut data.














When we break these statistics down demographically, they reveal some interesting facts:

People in the lowest income bracket—less than $35,000 per year—are more likely to exchange favors with their neighbors (16.7%) than are people in the middle bracket (12.2%) or people earning more than $85,000 (15.1%).

Income level correlates with Internet use; the more affluent the individual, the more likely s/he communicates with family and friends via the Internet.

Women tend to talk and exchange favors with neighbors (44.2% and 15.3%, respectively) at a higher percentage than men (41.5% and 13.9%, respectively).

In every category measuring social connectedness, people who attended some college were more likely to be socially connected.

Despite living farther apart from their neighbors, rural residents talk to each other at a significantly higher rate than their urban and suburban counterparts: 55.2% compared with 43.3%. They also exchange favors with their neighbors at a higher rate: 18.2% compared with 14.9% and 14.0% for suburban and urban dwellers, respectively.

Comparisons by race and ethnicity are mixed: