Robert Putnam on Barack Obama, Taylor Swift, and Making America Social Again
2Digest
This podcast delves into the concept of social capital, its significance for democracy, and its decline in the United States. Renowned political scientist Robert Putnam discusses his research on social capital, highlighting its crucial role in fostering trust, cooperation, and a sense of community. He explores the historical context of social capital, tracing its cyclical pattern of decline and resurgence. Putnam attributes the decline of social capital in the US to factors like suburbanization, television, and a broader societal shift. He examines the impact of social media on social capital, acknowledging its potential to both connect and disconnect people. The podcast explores the consequences of declining social capital, including increased distrust, fear, and the spread of misinformation. Putnam emphasizes the importance of bridging social capital, connecting with people from different backgrounds, and finding common ground. He addresses the role of politics in social capital, arguing that building connections across political divides is essential for a functioning democracy. The podcast also examines the link between social isolation and political violence, particularly among young men. Putnam highlights the importance of character education in fostering social capital, emphasizing the role of youth-serving organizations in promoting social responsibility and building a sense of community. The podcast concludes with a reflection on Putnam's life's work, expressing hope that his research has inspired others to contribute to building a more connected and just society.
Outlines
The Importance of Social Capital for Democracy and Its Decline in the US
The podcast begins with a discussion about the importance of social capital for democracy. Robert Putnam, a renowned political scientist, argues that social networks and connections are crucial for a functioning democracy. He explains that social capital generates a sense of obligation and reciprocity, making life easier and fostering trust within communities. Putnam then discusses the decline of social capital in the United States, exploring various factors contributing to this trend, including suburbanization, television, and a broader societal shift. He introduces his latest book, "The Upswing," which examines long-term trends in social capital, politics, economic inequality, and culture.
The Upswing: Historical Perspective and the Role of Morality
Putnam delves into the historical context of social capital, highlighting a cyclical pattern of decline and resurgence. He argues that the current state of social isolation, polarization, inequality, and self-centeredness mirrors the situation in the late 19th century. He suggests that cultural shifts, rather than economic forces, may be the primary driver of these trends. Putnam explores the role of morality in shaping social capital, contrasting the late 19th-century ideology of social Darwinism with the subsequent moral reawakening driven by evangelical Protestantism. He argues that a shift towards a more communal and caring mindset is crucial for addressing the current challenges to social capital.
The Impact of Social Media and the Consequences of Declining Social Capital
The conversation turns to the impact of social media on social capital. Putnam acknowledges that social media has exacerbated the decline of social capital, particularly in terms of polarization and social isolation. He compares social media to "television on steroids," highlighting its potential to both connect and disconnect people. Putnam discusses the consequences of declining social capital, citing Barack Obama's analysis of the issue. He argues that a lack of social capital fosters distrust and fear, leading to the spread of misinformation and harmful stereotypes. He uses the example of the "Haitian immigrants eating pets" conspiracy to illustrate this point.
Building Bridging Social Capital and the Role of Politics
The conversation focuses on bridging social capital, which involves connecting with people who are different from us. Putnam emphasizes the importance of finding common ground, using the example of sports as a way to bridge political divides. He suggests that shared interests can foster understanding and connection, even among those with differing views. The podcast explores the role of politics in social capital. Putnam addresses the critique that political organizing should focus on building power rather than fostering unity. He argues that bridging social capital is essential for a functioning democracy, even in politically charged times. He emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and building connections across political divides.
Social Isolation, Political Violence, and Character Education
The conversation shifts to the link between social isolation and political violence, particularly among young men. Putnam draws parallels between the "boy problem" of the early 20th century and the current challenges faced by young men. He highlights the importance of creating opportunities for connection and character development, particularly for boys and young men. Putnam discusses the role of character education in fostering social capital. He cites the emergence of youth-serving organizations like the Boy Scouts in the early 20th century as a response to the "boy problem." He argues that engaging activities that combine fun and character development are crucial for building social capital and addressing the challenges of social isolation.
Reflections on a Life's Work
The podcast concludes with a reflection on Putnam's life's work. He acknowledges that he hasn't fixed America but expresses hope that his work has inspired others to contribute to building a more connected and just society. He emphasizes the importance of social capital in personal and professional life, highlighting the role of his wife in his career and life.
Keywords
Social Capital
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 is a valuable asset for individuals and communities, fostering trust, cooperation, and collective action.
Bridging Social Capital
Bridging social capital refers to connections between people from different social groups, fostering understanding and cooperation across divides. It is crucial for building a cohesive and inclusive society, particularly in diverse and multicultural contexts.
Polarization
Polarization refers to the widening gap between opposing groups, often characterized by extreme views and a lack of willingness to compromise. It can undermine democratic processes and create social divisions.
Social Isolation
Social isolation refers to a lack of meaningful social connections, leading to feelings of loneliness and alienation. It can have negative consequences for mental and physical health, as well as social cohesion.
Character Education
Character education refers to the development of ethical values, positive character traits, and responsible citizenship. It is crucial for fostering a sense of community and promoting social responsibility.
Boy Problem
The "boy problem" refers to the challenges faced by young men, particularly in terms of social isolation, educational attainment, and job prospects. It is a complex issue with historical roots and contemporary implications.
Q&A
What is social capital and why is it important for democracy?
Social capital refers to the networks of relationships among people, generating a sense of obligation and reciprocity. It fosters trust and cooperation, making life easier and contributing to a more effective democracy.
How has social media impacted social capital?
Social media has both connected and disconnected people, exacerbating polarization and social isolation. It can be a powerful tool for building communities but also for spreading misinformation and fostering division.
What are some ways to build bridging social capital?
Finding common ground, such as shared interests or experiences, can help bridge divides and foster understanding between people from different social groups. This can involve engaging in activities that promote connection and dialogue.
How can we address the challenges of social isolation and political violence?
Creating opportunities for connection and character development, particularly for young men, is crucial for addressing social isolation and political violence. This can involve engaging in activities that promote social responsibility and build a sense of community.
What is the role of character education in fostering social capital?
Character education plays a vital role in building social capital by developing ethical values, positive character traits, and responsible citizenship. It helps individuals contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Show Notes
Robert Putnam, renowned political scientist and author of Bowling Alone and The Upswing, joins Offline to explain why bowling alone and scrolling alone are two sides of the same coin. Putnam has spent his life deciphering why social capital—our connection to each other and our communities—has been withering away for the last 50 years. The consequences of this trend are the focus of a new documentary, “Join or Die,” which explores the importance of civic engagement in America. Bob and Jon talk about the film, why social capital undergirds democracy, and why the internet is no substitute for joining an in-person club.
Join or Die is the inaugural film of the IRL Movie Club - a new initiative for Americans to gather in art house cinemas, watch documentaries in the public interest and then talk about them. To learn more, visit https://www.irlmovieclub.org/
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Table of contents
United States
