Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community

by Robert D. Putnam

book data

764 ratings, 3.63 average rating, 134 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		18%
4		38%
3		33%
2		8%
1		1%

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published

August 7th 2001 (first published 2000) by Simon & Schuster

binding

Paperback, 544 pages

isbn

0743203046 (isbn13: 9780743203043)

description

Few people outside certain scholarly circles had heard the name Robert D. Putnam before 1995. But then this self-described "obscure academic"...more

[close] Few people outside certain scholarly circles had heard the name Robert D. Putnam before 1995. But then this self-described "obscure academic" hit a nerve with a journal article called "Bowling Alone." Suddenly he found himself invited to Camp David, his picture in People magazine, and his thesis at the center of a raging debate. In a nutshell, he argued that civil society was breaking down as Americans became more disconnected from their families, neighbors, communities, and the republic itself. The organizations that gave life to democracy were fraying. Bowling became his driving metaphor. Years ago, he wrote, thousands of people belonged to bowling leagues. Today, however, they're more likely to bowl alone:

Television, two-career families, suburban sprawl, generational changes in values--these and other changes in American society have meant that fewer and fewer of us find that the League of Women Voters, or the United Way, or the Shriners, or the monthly bridge club, or even a Sunday picnic with friends fits the way we have come to live. Our growing social-capital deficit threatens educational performance, safe neighborhoods, equitable tax collection, democratic responsiveness, everyday honesty, and even our health and happiness.

The conclusions reached in the book Bowling Alone rest on a mountain of data gathered by Putnam and a team of researchers since his original essay appeared. Its breadth of information is astounding--yes, he really has statistics showing people are less likely to take Sunday picnics nowadays. Dozens of charts and graphs track everything from trends in PTA participation to the number of times Americans say they give "the finger" to other drivers each year. If nothing else, Bowling Alone is a fascinating collection of factoids. Yet it does seem to provide an explanation for why "we tell pollsters that we wish we lived in a more civil, more trustworthy, more collectively caring community." What's more, writes Putnam, "Americans are right that the bonds of our communities have withered, and we are right to fear that this transformation has very real costs." Putnam takes a stab at suggesting how things might change, but the book's real strength is in its diagnosis rather than its proposed solutions. Bowling Alone won't make Putnam any less controversial, but it may come to be known as a path-breaking work of scholarship, one whose influence has a long reach into the 21st century. --John J. Miller [close]

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03/07/08

angela rated it:

bookshelves: politics, school

Read in April, 2008

Despite it's "Best Seller" status - this book left a lot to be desired. Like anyone else who knows a thing or two about political participation and social capital, this book rings hollow and insincere at certain points.

Briefly, Putnam rests far too much of his argument on the decline of traditional, conventional "community organizations" of a previous era (like The Lion's Club, the Elks or the Masons). He pays scant attention to how divisive, racist, sexist, and ...more Despite it's "Best Seller" status - this book left a lot to be desired. Like anyone else who knows a thing or two about political participation and social capital, this book rings hollow and insincere at certain points.

Briefly, Putnam rests far too much of his argument on the decline of traditional, conventional "community organizations" of a previous era (like The Lion's Club, the Elks or the Masons). He pays scant attention to how divisive, racist, sexist, and homophobic many of these organizations were and how they all demanded a degree of conformity. Furthermore, he manages to write off the importance of both social movements and support-based groups in a single, short chapter without acknowledging the way that social movements allow new flexible forms of participation or how support-based groups may allow a greater degree of "bonding" and "bridging" social capital. If you take an AA meeting or a meeting for single parents, of course the people in these groups have a single thing in common but they are just as likely to have many things not in common, such as the neighbourhood they live in, the type of job they have, and racial background.

Further to this, his means of measurement are simply not adequate. Using the GSS to track club involvement is disingenuous, for example, because they ask "Were you a member of this type of club?" The answer is yes or no, and does not allow individuals to count the multiple kinds of clubs they belong to of a single kind (such as belonging to two environmental clubs).

There is certainly something going in American - CONVENTIONAL forms of political participation and civic participation are declining, but there are many emerging forms of participation which Putnam writes off or ignores altogether. He acknowledges that we need to find new ways to participate that that fit our current era as the old kinds of community organization may not work, but at the same time he ignores, writes off, or undervalues the ways in which people are already participating in new and innovative ways - such as support groups, continuing social movements, community festivals, pick-up sports leagues, short-lived issue based groups, more flexible forms of political participation, and the multiple kinds of participation that are made possible by the internet and related forms of technology.

Still, there is a great deal of valuable information in this book and a number of keen insights but Putnam's needs to open his mind up to new, innovative, and unconventional forms of participation and networks in order to make a more convincing argument.(less)

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04/30/07

Abby rated it:

bookshelves: favorites

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: Anyone interested in sociology, politics, urbanism and social relationships

I'm not sure I could give full justice to this book in a hastily written review, so I'm not going to try. Robert Putnam's seminal treatise on social capital is jam-packed with statistics and information to back up his claims that social capital has been on a serious decline since the 1960s, much to the detriment of American society. He delineates a difference between two types of social capital--bonding (strong ties to a small inner circle of people, like family) and bridging (weak ties to a ...more

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11/02/07

Leonard rated it:

Read in November, 2007

God this book is painstaking. (Read: painful.) It's good, it's thorough, and I read all five hundred pages or whatever. But the writing style induces anguish. It's so full of qualifications like: "But this correlation doesn't imply causality" or "Even when we hold race, class, gender, education, and imcome constant..."

I'll save you hours of your life and give you the summary: Throughout the twentieth century, more and more Americans were participating in clubs...more

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08/09/07

Tasha rated it:

Has a copy to sell/swap — Read in September, 2007

recommends it for: any of my co-workers and friends willing to read a dense, scholarly text

In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam argues that America's social capital has declined precipitously since the 1960’s. He uses massive amounts of data to back up his argument – so much so that the book surpasses 400 pages of small print, and that’s not including the 100 or so pages of appendices. Putnam makes his point unequivocally, and manages to not bore the reader with the abundance of historical and quantitative evidence he presents. Maybe this is because the topic is inherently inter...more

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05/26/07

Christine Giraud rated it:

Read in January, 2008

recommends it for: anyone

This is a book I heard about in 2000 when it first came out and I've wanted to read t since then. What took me so long?

It's an important treatise on how we have become increasingly disconnected with each other for various reasons: tv, moving a lot, lack of civic education, suburbanization and sprawl, longer work hours, both parents working, declining religious participation, greater individualism, etc. Author Robert Putnam contends that we are losing our social capital which basica...more This is a book I heard about in 2000 when it first came out and I've wanted to read t since then. What took me so long?

It's an important treatise on how we have become increasingly disconnected with each other for various reasons: tv, moving a lot, lack of civic education, suburbanization and sprawl, longer work hours, both parents working, declining religious participation, greater individualism, etc. Author Robert Putnam contends that we are losing our social capital which basically means our social resources (friends, colleagues, family, neighbors, etc). This leads to depression, distrust,

He attributes about half of the overall decline in social capital to the generational difference between WWII generation and the baby boomers. The civic engagement and connectedness on the WWIIers seems to me to be a result of being in a very different historical situation, not a quality that is inherent to them. So I'm not with him on that.

Anyway, he isn't encouraging a return to the 1950's where conformity often lead to malevolent practices like segregation. However, our increasing individualism has made social ties more difficult to make and retain. People used to join more clubs and have dinner over each other's houses, play cards, etc more often. The tv and it's characters are our new friends.

This book is outdated. Putnam admits he has no idea how the Internet will effect social capital. The decline happened before the Internet came out to the general public so it can't be THE cause. He does make the good point that virtual communication is not the same as face to face. One can not make a thorough assessment of the communication received electronically as we can from "vibes" we get when we're in another's presence. Virtual ties help us communicate more easily but he's not sure it fosters "genuine community". I think it depends on the site and individual interactions. I recently heard about these new twitter mini blogs that people use for quick conversations with their different communities everywhere they go. In one case, a woman confessed that she had just found out she had cancer. The response from her twitter community was immediate and very supportive. So, who knows.

I think the lack of social capital is widely acknowledged in the US, if not overtly. Efforts to bring people together such as stich n'bitch, book groups, meet up groups are lauded as healthy for society. But it is true that these activities seem to be less than in the past. (less)

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07/06/07

furies rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, poli-sci

Read in March, 2002

read for my social democracy seminar.

it seems really logical now, but when the book was written in 1995, and it was really, really revolutionary. his main thesis is that americans are not volunteering in the same ways in before - we are not joining community organizations anymore. young people are still volunteering, but mostly individually. (his title comes from the fact that people don't join bowling leagues anymore.)

i would recommend reading the first half, skimming ...more

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02/28/09

Shane Jaynes rated it:

Read in January, 2009

Putnam does a supurb job, through extensive and detailed demographic research, of isolating a compelling social problem -- declining social and civic participation. He describes this trend in interesting ways. For instance he argues that the increasing demand for and subsequent supply of lawyers in contemporary US society represents the handicapping erosion of trust and good faith among fellow citizens. This was an "a-ha" for me, an interpretation about a well-known phenomenon (who has...more

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12/10/08

Nelson rated it:

Read in January, 2007

Putnam, sociologist, describes Social Capital (i.e., Social engagement/ connectivity/interaction) and its decline in America since the 1960’s. Along w/ this decline in our society’s connectivity comes increased mistrust and disengagement…. …and crime. W/ High social capital a society functions for the good of all and its economy and health increase…. And lower crime. There are two types of social capital: Bonding Social Capital (ie, bonding of like people’…”birds of a feather”)...more

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04/17/09

Bee rated it:

Bowling alone: the collapse and revival of American community. Robert D. Putnam 2000
One of the most important works of American political science and social history this decade, the author looks at our society and compares it to earlier decades in the 20th century for striking evidence of lessening participation in community through fewer people voting, volunteering, joining clubs or community groups, attending church or school meetings. He studies what happens when the bonds normally for...more

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04/26/09

Richard Hansen rated it:

bookshelves: essay, non-fiction, warning-cautionary-tale

Read in April, 2009

I rather enjoyed this book as a (thorough) explanation of where community has gone in the past few decades and why. Particularly telling for me was the quoting of increased suicide rates and feelings of "malaise" over the past generation or two.

While Putnam makes the point that the '50s were more socially connected (they were), I don't think he romanticizes the decade by any stretch of the imagination. He mentions the increased tolerance for race, sex and sexual orientation...more

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01/22/09

Melissa rated it:

Read in January, 2009

Concerned about the decline of civic engagement at the end of the C20th, Robert Putnam has contributed a useful study that weaves together the work of numerous sociologists, social historians, and others, in his analysis of the "Collapse and Revival of American Community". His study is thorough, full of statistical data, and well conceived, clearly in dialogue with other thinkers worried about the lack of political participation among the general public. More than a decline in voting...more Concerned about the decline of civic engagement at the end of the C20th, Robert Putnam has contributed a useful study that weaves together the work of numerous sociologists, social historians, and others, in his analysis of the "Collapse and Revival of American Community". His study is thorough, full of statistical data, and well conceived, clearly in dialogue with other thinkers worried about the lack of political participation among the general public. More than a decline in voting, the study takes into account -- and is deeply worried about -- the diminishing importance of community life. The title "Bowling Alone" suggests an idea that in some ways is an impossibility, and if not entirely an impossibility, something unlikely since most people tend to bowl with at least one other person.

While the common belief is that a sense of community and playing a role in one's community has dwindled because of social factors (e.g., women entering the paid labor force, the proliferation of television and the internet, skepticism in the system, disappointment in the political establishment and the politicians who represent us), Putnam challenges popular beliefs and raises interesting questions regarding the economic system itself and the ways in which it impacts human relationships. Additionally, at the heart of his analysis lies a question regarding urbanity that is never quite articulated up front but remains between the lines. The urban experience, in contrast to rural communities and the suburbs, demands a different type of interaction based on the typical impersonality of city living.

Although his study feels a bit dated given the important changes that have come about since the late 1990s (when the statistical data was gathered), the questions raised and the suggestions it makes, continue to offer useful insights into the ways in which socializing strategies continue to adapt to changing circumstances. The two primary changes that immediately come to mind are the September 11 attacks and the Obama election. Both of these events have transformed the way in which we see our fellow neighbors and other urban residents (especially in the case of NYC), and the numbers that participated in the election of Obama in the second instance, contradict some of his prime arguments. However, his emphasis on generational divides and generational shifts in fact does appear to stand. He reminds readers that dwindling participation -- along with increases in participation -- in politics happen among populations. In other words, the WWII generation tended to be involved in politics at the local and state levels while their children continued to stay involved in local ways (whether informal or formal involvement/networking), while voting rates declined. The next generation then did less of both. This does appear to be true according to his logic and the numbers alike, and it makes for a sobering point that succeeds in getting readers to feel less worried about a dying sense of community for the future of the US. (less)

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11/25/08

Thethockmonthter rated it:

Read in December, 2008

This is exactly the kind of book I would have hated to have been assigned in college. It has tiny text, tiny margins, 500 pages, and - worst of all - a ton of interesting information that I really wanted to read, but never would have had time to.

The information assembled by Putnam('s legion of grad students) is compelling. Simply put, Americans are less connected in their communities than they used to be and it is affecting everything in their lives.

To me, the most intere...more

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12/10/08

Brent rated it:

Putnam’s work is a reader friendly and heavily researched saga focused on the apparent drop in social capital today. He bemoaned the loss of social capital and offered a collection of outcomes associated with low social capital. When social capital decreases, Putnam argued that crime rates go up, moral values go down, happiness goes down, quality of government goes down, and political leverage goes down.

Putnam’s idealistic picture of social capital is thoroughly supported by hi...more

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02/02/09

Seth Woodworth marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Aaron Shaw:

Finally, Robert Putnam's 2000 book Bowling Alone is also one of the most widely read academic texts on the subject of social capital and civic engagement in the United States during the late 20th century. It's totally problematic in many ways (e.g. I'm not certain he would know political economy or theories of capitalism if they hit him in the nose), but is nonetheless an impressive and far-reaching analysis of an unbelievable amount of empirical evidence that the texture ...more

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03/01/09

Chris rated it:

Read in April, 2009

Bowling Alone is a very thorough (exhaustive? exhausting?) analysis of how American community has fallen apart since 1965 or so, why people don't care about participating in community activities like they used to, whether attending meetings, signing petitions, going to church or helping out with a neighborhood picnic. A very insightful book. The level of detail and the amount of evidence Putnam marshals to support his argument is pretty astonishing and almost overwhelming. But he offers a tho...more

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12/11/08

Manday rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, read-for-school

This book, as a piece of academic work (as Putnam, and the concept of social capital are both academic), leaves much to be desired. Social capital is clearly Putnam's pet idea, and while he writes eloquently enough, a closer examination of the arguments produces many logical inconsistencies.

Neither here, or in other works, does Putnam fully differentiate what social capital is from what it supposedly causes (Is social capital tolerance, or does it bring about tolerance? Both stateme...more

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08/17/08

Adam rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction, politics, sociology

Read in October, 2008

recommends it for: Students of Sociology or American Political Science, Those wanting to 'make a difference'

As the subtitle implies, Putnam explores the collapse and (potential) revival of the American Community in this thuroug sociological examiniation of the role 'social capital' plays in our wonderful society.

Finding alarming trends in the decline of civic participation, from bowling leagues to voting and even letter sending, Putnam unravels some of our nation's most alarming trends. After expounding numerous indicators of America's civic disengagement, "Bowling Alone" then t...more

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06/27/08

Timothy rated it:

Read in July, 2008

There are a handful of social science books that cogently present and defend “big ideas”, while remaining readable and assessable. Bowling Alone is one of these books. Harvard Professor Robert Putnam relies on a variety of longitudinal data sources to convince readers of a strong societal trend: widespread declines in American civic engagement since the 1960’s. Important forms of social capital-inducing political, religious, and civic participation have decreased. People are less trusting ...more There are a handful of social science books that cogently present and defend “big ideas”, while remaining readable and assessable. Bowling Alone is one of these books. Harvard Professor Robert Putnam relies on a variety of longitudinal data sources to convince readers of a strong societal trend: widespread declines in American civic engagement since the 1960’s. Important forms of social capital-inducing political, religious, and civic participation have decreased. People are less trusting of their fellow citizens. Even friendly, informal contacts among neighbors and friends (including participation in bowling leagues, hence Putnam’s title) have decreased.

Putnam contends that the American tendency to “bowl alone” has important social consequences. Deficits in social capital, or tangible benefits resulting from social contact, has wide-ranging negative effects on education and children’s welfare, public safety, economic prosperity, personal happiness, and even physical health.

What caused the declines in civic engagement? Putnam attributes the declines to suburban sprawl and the proliferation of television. He contends that increased work hours, financial stress, and movement of women into the work force have also contributed to the decline, albeit to a lesser degree. Putnam notes clear generational differences in civic engagement: much of the decline can be attributed to the Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers.

What can be done to reverse the trend? Putnam is clear that he does not intend his book to invoke reactionary nostalgia for the “better times” of the 1950’s. He notes similarities between contemporary social changes and those stemming from early 20th century urbanization and industrialization. Putnam commends Progressive Era reformers for adapting reform to rapidly changing 20th Century society, and suggests that similar innovation is necessary today. He concludes with a series of challenges for leaders in various domains to engage in social capital-enhancing practices, and provides numerous policy suggestions.

Putnam’s contention that civic engagement has declined should resonate with readers: it is no mystery that there is an impersonal character to contemporary American society. Nonetheless, one strength of Bowling Alone is Putnam’s ability to articulate “what we know” in clear defensible terms. Bowling Alone is social science: it is data-driven and, while Putnam’s normative position is clear, he never forces it down the reader’s throat. Putnam presents not as an ideologue, but as a scholar prepared to, through hundreds of references (the scope of Putnam’s references is staggering!) and extensive analysis, present an argument. Ultimately, whether readers accept the argument depends on the importance they place in social capital.

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05/28/08

leighcia rated it:

bookshelves: non-fiction

Read in April, 2008

This book summarizes substantial amounts of empirical studies on American community, which is broadly defined to include civic engagement, participation in different interest groups, church attendance, philanthropic giving, volunteering, or simply hanging out with friends. After Putnam clearly demonstrates the decline of American community since the 1950s, he spends a good portion of time investigating the various factors that may have caused it, including suburban sprawl, television, less free ...more

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03/17/08

Eldon added it

Read in February, 2008

I'm a little late to the party on this one: published in 1999, it just touches the surface of internet communities. But, the analysis of the "decline" in civic life from a liberal (small-L, not the kind the talk-radio-heads fume about) is absolutely stunning. Putnam's read every piece of social science research out there and his presentation of the decline of participation in every kind of civic/public life imaginable is absolutely breathtaking.

He frankly writes about this fr...more

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