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Better Together

Restoring the American Community

The author of the bestseller Bowling Alone and a colleague offer readers inspirational tales about the successful building of social capital.

Author: Robert Putman and Lewis Feldstein
Year of Publishing: 2003
Number of Pages: 318

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Reviews

  1. Linda Hughes (verified owner)

    This book was amazing. My husband and I both read it and then we talked about it for hours. The author spotlights several organizations (businesses, a church, several non profits) who have done something innovative that make a significant positive change. They were all very inspiring and makes me want to get out there and do something myself.

  2. Vivian Zagar (verified owner)

    A feel good grass roots book about community coming together.

  3. Thegarty (verified owner)

    In these times it is easy to despair about the state of divide, but this book served as inspiration that communites ARE connecting to overcome issues.

  4. Karen Tolley (verified owner)

    This book shows what a difference creative ideas and co=operative effort can make to a community. About a dozen different projects from around the country are explained and the feelings of connection and increased community strength achieved are inspiring.

  5. Eduardo Sanabria (verified owner)

    Amazing read

  6. dmtague (verified owner)

    This book is a great introduction into the many ways one can build social capital – or really build community to support the community. The chapters can be stand alone if there is a particular interest in various communities or ways in which individuals and groups came together to support one another. I would be very curious as to Putnam and Feldstein’s views on the internets ability to build community since publication in 2003, and Craigslist was the eminent platform for organizing based on community/location

  7. Jalet Farrell (verified owner)

    The wonderful and conversational style of this book makes it easy to bring up in conversations. I enjoyed this book.

  8. Stephen Short (verified owner)

    Here’s a synopsis of “Better Together: Restoring the American Community” by Robert D. Putnam and Lewis M. Feldstein, which I had a Friend help me with. After the synopsis, I have a few Staffordshire-specific questions/comments.:

    **Synopsis of “Better Together: Restoring the American Community”**

    1. **Understanding Social Capital**: The book begins by introducing the concept of social capital, which refers to the networks of relationships among people and the value derived from them. The authors argue that social capital is crucial for a healthy and vibrant society.

    2. **Decline of Social Connections**: Putnam and Feldstein discuss how social connections and community engagement have declined in America over recent decades. They examine various factors contributing to this decline, such as changes in family structure, suburbanization, technology, and economic shifts.

    3. **Impact of Social Isolation**: The authors highlight the negative consequences of decreased social capital, including feelings of loneliness, reduced trust in institutions, and weakened civic participation. They emphasize that rebuilding social connections is essential for addressing these issues.

    4. **Case Studies and Solutions**: Throughout the book, the authors present case studies and examples of communities that have successfully revitalized social capital. They discuss initiatives like community organizations, volunteerism, and grassroots movements that have strengthened bonds among citizens.

    5. **Importance of Bridging Differences**: Putnam and Feldstein emphasize the importance of bridging social capital, which involves connecting diverse individuals and groups. They argue that fostering interactions across lines of difference (such as race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status) can build stronger communities.
    The authors stress that building social capital can be used for good and bad outcomes. They suggest that “bonding social capital” can have negative consequences, such as the KKK. I got the impression that they would rather see more “bridging” and less “bonding” in order to make positive changes in society.

    6. **Policy Recommendations**: The book concludes with policy recommendations for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals to promote social capital. These recommendations include investing in education, supporting community organizations, and encouraging civic engagement.

    **Summary and Further Reading**

    In summary, “Better Together: Restoring the American Community” provides a comprehensive analysis of the decline in social capital in America and offers practical solutions for rebuilding it. The authors stress the significance of social connections in fostering a healthier society and propose actionable steps for individuals and policymakers to strengthen communities.

    For further reading on related topics, I, Steve Short, recommend exploring Robert D. Putnam’s other works, such as “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” which delves deeper into the decline of social capital. Additionally, books like “The Power of Community: How Phenomenal Leaders Inspire Their Teams, Wow Their Customers, and Make Bigger Profits” by Howard Partridge offer insights into community-building strategies in various contexts. These resources can provide additional perspectives on the importance of social capital and community engagement.

    4. Although the book has many examples of building bridging capital, by their own admission, the authors do not offer any practical guidance on how to actually build social capital.
    5. This book does not delve into the specific aspects of life in an HOA, which is a shame.

    Steve 

  9. TayM (verified owner)

    Great read!

  10. Lola Cornish (verified owner)

    Love the inspirational stories within this book. As someone who advocates for community resilience, it’s a must read.

  11. imelda (verified owner)

    Very happy to have access to such great books as this one. It seems that more and more, thanks to the internet and social media, we are being exposed to more issues at a global and national scale, but don’t see much about our local communities online. This book has helped reinvigorate a sense of community for me at a local level and support my local news groups.

  12. Mayra Navarro (verified owner)

    Great for humanity readers

  13. Jenny Nunn (verified owner)

    Amazing book about the power of connection in your community!

  14. Chels (verified owner)

    Excellent!

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