An Analysis of Robert D. Putnam's Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community - hardback

American political scientist Robert Putnam wasn’t the first person to recognize that social capital – the relationships between people that allow communities to function well – is the grease that oils the wheels of society. But by publishing Bowling Alone, he moved the debate from one primarily concerned with family and individual relationships to one that studied the social capital generated by people’s engagement with civic life.

Key Insights from Putnam’s Work:

• Fresh Interpretation of Evidence:
  Putnam drew heavily on the critical thinking skill of interpretation in shaping his work. He revisited evidence that other scholars had made too many assumptions about and was meticulous in clarifying what the evidence truly revealed.
• The Power of Social Capital:
  He discovered that strong social capital has the ability to:
  • Boost health
  • Lower unemployment
  • Improve life in significant ways
• The Risks of Declining Civic Engagement:
  Any decrease in civic engagement, according to Putnam, could lead to serious consequences for society.

Putnam’s interpretation of these issues ultimately led him to the understanding that if America is to thrive, its citizens must connect.