Big Books of 2026
Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community

Questions About Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community

by Robert D. Putnam

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Answered Questions (2)

why do americans entertain less today than they did a few decades ago?
Melissa Lots of factors including time crunch. Several decades ago, there was usually a wife at home to tend the house, prepare the meals, plan the parties. N…moreLots of factors including time crunch. Several decades ago, there was usually a wife at home to tend the house, prepare the meals, plan the parties. Now, more often than not, you've got two full time workers trying to scramble to keep everything together since it takes two full time wages to pay rent and utilities and be able to buy food.

That doesn't leave a lot of time to clean the house and plan and prepare a dinner party.(less)
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I am reading this book to better understand how to build better communities, both online and offline. The constant argument against this book is it's ignorance of the social medial revolution...however, his chapter that has premonitions about communication technologies rings true: his comparison to the phone seems apt. I was wondering what others thought; has social media failed us in its attempt to build community?
Natan I don't think "social media" can fail or succeed in building a community. I think people can either fail or succeed in building a community…moreI don't think "social media" can fail or succeed in building a community. I think people can either fail or succeed in building a community(less)
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