Digest

Robert Putnam, a Harvard political scientist, discusses the increasing social isolation in America and its connection to political polarization, inequality, and a decline in a sense of shared responsibility. He reflects on his groundbreaking work, "Bowling Alone," which highlighted the decline in social capital in the 1990s, and how this trend has intensified in recent years. Putnam argues that social isolation is not just a personal problem but a societal one, contributing to the rise of white nationalism and violence. He emphasizes the importance of bridging social capital, connections with people unlike ourselves, and the need for institutions that foster a sense of shared purpose and responsibility. Putnam acknowledges the complexity of the issue, recognizing that social isolation, political polarization, and inequality are intertwined in a vicious cycle. He suggests that addressing this problem requires a multi-pronged approach, including early intervention programs that promote character education and a sense of community. While acknowledging the challenges, Putnam remains hopeful that America can turn the corner and rebuild a more connected and equitable society.

Outlines

00:00:00

Whartle Archive

This Chapter introduces the Whartle Archive, a new feature for New York Times Games subscribers that allows them to play every Whartle puzzle ever created. The archive contains over a thousand puzzles, giving players the opportunity to revisit past puzzles or catch up on any they may have missed.

00:00:57

Social Isolation in America

This Chapter begins with a discussion of social isolation in America, a topic that Robert Putnam has been studying for decades. Putnam describes his own social life, acknowledging that he is not as actively involved in clubs and organizations as he was in his youth. He attributes this to his busy schedule as a scholar and author. Putnam then discusses the broader trend of social isolation in America, noting that it has become more pronounced in recent years. He cites the Surgeon General's recent warnings about loneliness as evidence of this trend. Putnam argues that social isolation is not only bad for individual health but also for the health of the country, as it can make people more susceptible to the appeals of false communities and extremist ideologies.

00:33:02

Politics and Social Isolation

This Chapter explores the relationship between politics and social isolation. Putnam argues that the current political climate in America has exacerbated social isolation, as political disagreements have become more fundamental and existential. He suggests that the polarization we see in society is largely driven from above, by political leaders and media outlets that promote divisive rhetoric. Putnam believes that addressing social isolation requires a multi-pronged approach, including early intervention programs that promote character education and a sense of community.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is social capital and why is it important?

  Social capital refers to the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively. It encompasses the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that facilitate cooperation and collective action. Robert Putnam's work has been instrumental in popularizing the concept of social capital and its importance for a healthy and functioning society.

• How has social isolation in America changed since the publication of "Bowling Alone"?

  Putnam argues that the trend of social isolation has intensified since the publication of "Bowling Alone" in 2000. He cites the Surgeon General's recent warnings about loneliness as evidence of this trend. Putnam believes that social isolation is not only bad for individual health but also for the health of the country, as it can make people more susceptible to the appeals of false communities and extremist ideologies.

• What is the relationship between social isolation and political polarization?

  Putnam believes that social isolation and political polarization are intertwined in a vicious cycle. He argues that political polarization can exacerbate social isolation, as people become less willing to interact with those who hold different political views. Conversely, social isolation can make people more susceptible to the appeals of extremist ideologies and less likely to engage in constructive political dialogue.

• What are some policy solutions that could help address social isolation?

  Putnam suggests that addressing social isolation requires a multi-pronged approach, including early intervention programs that promote character education and a sense of community. He believes that institutions that foster a sense of shared purpose and responsibility are essential for building a more connected and equitable society.

• Why do you think it has been so hard to get people to act on the insights from your work?

  Putnam acknowledges the challenges of addressing social isolation, noting that it is a complex problem with no easy solutions. He also recognizes that the current political climate in America makes it even harder to find common ground and work together to address societal challenges.

Show Notes