First published 2002
Following his bestselling work Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam collaborates with prominent scholars to investigate social capital trends across eight developed nations. The research reveals troubling patterns: union membership, church attendance, and political party participation decline universally. These losses hit working class and less educated populations hardest, as these groups traditionally relied on such organizations for empowerment. The studies uncover greater social engagement among wealthy citizens compared to working classes. A generation emerges that shows little political interest, harbors deep suspicion of politicians and fellow citizens, approaches public matters with cynicism, and avoids lasting organizational commitments. Sweden stands as a notable exception, where four in ten adults join study circles that meet weekly for educational conversations. This comprehensive examination of democratic societies provides readers with crucial insights into how social bonds shape political participation and civic health across different national contexts.
Genres: social-science, political-science, sociology, non-fiction, academic, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: data-driven-analysis, social-commentary
Setting: Sweden
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
528 pages · Hardcover · Oxford University Press