Is a book by Robert Putnam, expanded from an article of the same name, Bowling Alone, Putnam calls attention to the decline in important membership organizations.
In the early 1950’s large majorities of Americans belonged to ‘civic organizations’ such as the Rotary, American Legion, Lions, Elks, Masons and associated clubs. Many still belonged to Odd Fellows, Red Cross, PTA and other older organizations. They also belonged to mainstream churches which all had large civic roles in healthcare and senior services.
Nearly all these organizations were hierarchical with positions of responsibility going from sergeant at arms to treasurer, secretary to vice-president and president.
This structure and associated ascending ladder of responsibility was metonymy for the larger social structure with an hereditary elite.
What is our current version that teaches membership in our society the rules of social behavior and the rules of appropriate personal behavior?
There are none. Modern American life is focused on the work environment which is secular and anti-political in daily functioning.
The closest structures I see to formal structures designed for civic life are meritocracy clubs. Four of my granddaughters are in swimming or rowing clubs that start before age 9 and require up to 2 hours a day, often every day of the week for membership. This intense commitment carries over to college. The social coherence resembles that of an orchestra. It is meritocratic and requires deep commitment.
Will there be more meritocratic clubs and forums in the future? Could be.