Read the articles, Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital and Still Bowling Alone? The Post-9/11 Split from the Project Muse database in the Ashford University Library. For this discussion, complete the following:

• In your own words, describe what is meant by the term "social capital."
• Examine the influences of social connections and technology and civic engagement in academic and professional pursuits.
• Evaluate the significance of social capital in the context of global citizenship and multicultural understanding.  

 Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. In addition to the assigned reading, support your answer with research from at least one scholarly source, and properly cite any references.