Bowling AloneOnce we bowled in leagues, usually after work -- but no longer. This seemingly small phenomenon symbolizes a significant social change that Robert Putnam has identified in this brilliant volume, Bowling Alone, which The Economist hailed as "a prodigious achievement." Drawing on vast new data that reveal Americans' changing behavior, Putnam shows how we have become increasingly disconnected from one another and how social structures -- whether they be PTA, church, or political parties -- have disintegrated. Until the publication of this groundbreaking work, no one had so deftly diagnosed the harm that these broken bonds have wreaked on our physical and civic health, nor had anyone exalted their fundamental power in creating a society that is happy, healthy, and safe. Like defining works from the past, such as The Lonely Crowd and The Affluent Society, and like the works of C. Wright Mills and Betty Friedan, Putnam's Bowling Alone has identified a central crisis at the heart of our society and suggests what we can do. |
From inside the book
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Page
... leaving America a less trusting society, year after year.10 Contrary to these
continued declines, the last two decades have seen little to no consistent change
in volunteerism.11 Actually, that is consistent with what Bowling Alone reported,
12 ...
... leaving America a less trusting society, year after year.10 Contrary to these
continued declines, the last two decades have seen little to no consistent change
in volunteerism.11 Actually, that is consistent with what Bowling Alone reported,
12 ...
Page
The nature of trends in informal social connections remains hotly contested.15 A
great debate between Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, and Matthew E.
Brashears (who reported a decline in close personal ties between 1985 and
200416) ...
The nature of trends in informal social connections remains hotly contested.15 A
great debate between Miller McPherson, Lynn Smith-Lovin, and Matthew E.
Brashears (who reported a decline in close personal ties between 1985 and
200416) ...
Page
As the 1960s ended, sociologists Daniel Bell and Virginia Held reported that “
there is more participation than ever before in America... and more opportunity for
the active interested person to express his personal and political concerns.”6
Even ...
As the 1960s ended, sociologists Daniel Bell and Virginia Held reported that “
there is more participation than ever before in America... and more opportunity for
the active interested person to express his personal and political concerns.”6
Even ...
Page
Turnout in off-year and local elections is down by roughly this same amount.2 For
several reasons, this widely reported fact understates the real decline in
Americans' commitment to electoral participation. For most of the twentieth
century ...
Turnout in off-year and local elections is down by roughly this same amount.2 For
several reasons, this widely reported fact understates the real decline in
Americans' commitment to electoral participation. For most of the twentieth
century ...
Page
During presidential campaigns from the late 1950s to the late 1970s, more and
more voters reported being contacted by one or both of the major political parties.
After a slump from 1980 to 1992, this measure of party vitality soared.
During presidential campaigns from the late 1950s to the late 1970s, more and
more voters reported being contacted by one or both of the major political parties.
After a slump from 1980 to 1992, this measure of party vitality soared.
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LibraryThing Review
User Review - JosephKing6602 - LibraryThingAmazing use of archival data and formal US survey information. I read the edition published in 2000; I wish it were being updates for 2020. Very timely issues about civic engagement. Read full review
LibraryThing Review
User Review - jonerthon - LibraryThingProbably the last of the older titles that has been on my reading list too long. Though it is dated in some ways, I was glad to finally get through this one and understand why so many planners have ... Read full review
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activities adults American analysis archive associations attendance average become behavior Bowling century chapter church cities citizens civic engagement club compared connections correlated DDB Needham decades decline Democracy economic effects equality especially evidence example fact factors figure forms four fraction friends giving groups growth half important income increase individual institutions interest Internet involvement John Journal least less levels lives measures meetings membership movement nearly Needham Life Style neighborhood networks organizations parents participation percent period political population question recent religious reported Research response Review rise Robert Roper roughly share shows single Social and Political social capital society Statistics suggests surveys television Trends trust turn twentieth century United University Press Urban viewing virtually volunteering watching women World York
Bibliographic information
| Title | Bowling Alone |
| Author | Robert D. Putnam |
| Publisher | Simon and Schuster, 2001 |
| ISBN | 0743219031, 9780743219037 |
| Length | 544 pages |
| Subjects | › › History / Social History History / United States / 20th Century Political Science / Public Policy / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |