Bowling Alone: The Collapse of American Community by Robert Putnam (week 1)

Robert Putnam’s groundbreaking work shows how social bonds are the most powerful predictor of life satisfaction, how the loss of social capital poses a serious threat to our civic and personal health, and how these consequences have a new resonance for our divided country today.
While the ways in which we connect have changed over the decades, his central argument remains as powerful and urgent as ever—mending our frayed social capital is key to preserving the very fabric of our society.

Bowling Alone was also the basis for the 2023 Netflix Documentary "Join, or Die."
Check out the documentary for more info or watch the trailer here(

Join us to discuss this classic book over the course of 5-weeks!
Week 1 Sat 11/22 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 2 Sat 11/29 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 3 Sat 12/6 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 4 Sat 12/13 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57
Week 5 Sat 12/20 12:30pm-2:30pm The Oyster Room @ Pier 57

Reading for Week 1
Preface thru Chapter 4 "Religious Participation" (79pages)

I will be reading the paperback Revised & Updated Edition available here(https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alone-Collapse-American-Community/dp/1982130849/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9yt5S94YEjhu2qw2Yelva48t1h0AaL5ZBoZcxqyi0kLJbYHiHZRKCNQVVXWq1reBt9gR33sxQRMhD4XkkW4-Eiu7irHYKOXSXLJDDQTj1IUWwCn4tCMhd3eEJz6mK2vbe42dWD6Re4WIYNiVhhPMdNyZA1Ot_ex5zfWbUYV9IgBUOw2Ioi2OUdGknWqe0lKHxZGUZkcPipcTadzznJ3k7SL6aX3INu2C4UUhNudrJqE.q5yG2W6i77kQYoaB7qOsL_QrRekf-PWLCNlTD4U1qu0&dib_tag=se&keywords=bowling+alone&qid=1760630702&sr=8-1)
free pdf download here(http://

click" class="linkified">https://annas-archive.org/md5/b7d1ca8eeacf484f45e97129c0e99589)\*click on the first slow download option
(other formats available too —epub & mobi for kindle—just search in search bar)
\*Note About the Reading\
I know the assigned reading is quite long, but fear not...

A lot of the pages in this book are graphs and charts, so its not as much reading as it seems
Also, the reading should be fairly easy compared to what we usually read with this group, since it is not a philosophical text.
* Rules for Our Group

1\. Be Courteous
Respectful disagreement with others is totally acceptable. Condescending behavior is not.
2\. Be Concise
Keep comments on topic and relatively brief.
Moderators will do their best to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak who wants to.
3\. Do the Reading
If you have not done the reading for the week you are welcome to attend and listen to the discussion, but out of respect for those who have read, you will not be permitted to participate in the discussion.

For more info and FAQ on the group click here(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dfefKv8HVAvyeXOvk1k8ihRqml5jnrI3mbvU-D6i0iA/edit?usp=sharing).

Can't wait to discuss these ideas with all of you!
-Zach

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