“you tell me how many choral societies there are in an italian region, and i will tell you…how long it will take to get your health bills reimbursed….” what did sociologist robert putnam mean by that statement

The correct answer is "informal social ties."

With that statement, Sociologist Robert Putnam was referring to informal social ties and how these promote bureaucracy.

Robert Putnam is a Professor of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He analyses the society of the US, observing how it has deteriorated civic and personal values. He wrote the book "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community," in which he suggests that new forms of social engagement must be developed to change the situation.