54 pages • 1 hour read
Robert D. PutnamBowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Bowling Alone, Robert D. Putnam examines the decline of civic engagement and social connectedness in the late 20th-century United States, using data from various sources. He argues that this erosion of social capital harms individual well-being, societal health, and democratic functioning. Putnam calls for innovative approaches to renew community bonds, drawing parallels to the Progressive Era's efforts. Topics include suicide and communal decay.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Robert D. Putnam's Bowling Alone is widely recognized for its thorough analysis of social capital decline in America. Critics praise its extensive research and impactful insights into community fragmentation. However, some argue the book's repetitive nature and lack of practical solutions weaken its impact. Overall, a compelling yet occasionally tedious read on societal disengagement.
Who Should Read Bowling Alone?
A reader who appreciates Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam is drawn to sociological studies analyzing social capital and community engagement. Similar readers might enjoy The Third Wave by Alvin Toffler and The Lonely Crowd by David Riesman, as all explore societal shifts and their impact on social structures.