Consistent interpretations can be derived from the meta-analysis done by Allik and
Realo (2004). Here, associations between socio-cultural value orientation (i.e., countrylevel
individualism–collectivism scores) and social capital - defined as the aggregate of
social connectedness, civic engagement and generalized trust (Putnam, 1995; 2000) -
within the United States and across 42 nations were examined. Results show that social
capital increased with higher levels of individualism. Similarly, Kemmelmeier, Jambor, and
Leitner (2006) found charitable giving and volunteering to be higher in individualist than in
collectivist states.