Robert Putnam

Bowling Alone

1. IDEA 1

   Americans have drifted apart

   Putnam argues that since the 1960s, Americans have become steadily less connected to their communities. They join fewer clubs, attend fewer meetings and spend less time with friends and neighbours.

2. IDEA 2

   Social ties are a capital

   Putnam uses the term social capital for the networks, trust and habits of cooperation that connect people. He argues that, like money or skills, these connections make communities work better.

3. IDEA 3

   Bowling became a symbol

   Putnam notes that more Americans were bowling than before, but fewer were bowling in leagues. This image captures his argument that people increasingly do things alone rather than together. Putnam uses the picture to make a wider point.

All 8 ideas from Bowling Alone →